thekctermite

Today's temperature was well into the 60's, compared to the single digit temps and snow that we've had for the past several days. All the snow melted and the humidity was insane. I spent the day in the garage turning on the lathe. When I went out there I noticed that there was a crazy amount of condensation on the garage floor and all the outdoor concrete surfaces...Actual beaded water. My garage door was open because the garage isn't heated/cooled.

In a matter of three hours, rust had formed on all of my hand planes and all of the cast iron surfaces of my tools. I noticed that my tablesaw's motor had condensation on it like a cold soda can in July.

I use topsaver whenever I've had rust in the past, but have never had anything like this happen. So, I'll be using topsaver like crazy for the next couple days to get rid of the rust.

I've heard of waxing cast iron surfaces to prevent rust. What kind of wax do you guys use. I think it is time to start!!!

mics_54

The easiest way to prevent condensation forming on metal subject to oxidation is to cover it during those periods condusive to dew point creation with a cloth or towel (not plastic) to keep moist air from circulating along the surface. Some times I have to leave my table saw on the job and it takes a beating being subjected to such moisture and I find coating the cast iron with WD-40 and covering it keeps the rust at bay.

thekctermite

Thanks Mics54. In the past I've used WD40 as a rust inhibitor on my tablesaw. Too far in the past obviously! Earlier this evening I did it again as a stop-gap measure to deal with this moisture for the time being.

I'll definately cover the tools. Not a bad idea.

I like the idea of some sort of wax though, because I really hate having any kind of oil on the table tops, at least on a permanent basis. The oil attracts all sort of dust, and that drives me crazy...I'm a neatfreak in the garage.

johnep

Several mentions of Johnsons paste wax in TS threads.
johnep

GeorgeC

+1

However, it is just not practicable to wax everything. I use WD-40 as an aid when I am cleaning off rust. The product that I use to prevent rust is LPS, An Industrial Strength Lubricant. It is manufactured by LPS Laboratories, An Illinois Tool Works Company,
Tucker, Ga. I find it in a marine store. It comes in a thick and thin variety. I buy the thin and spray liberally on any surfaces that will not later come into contact with wood.

I have a freezer and refrigerator in my unheated garage. It controls the major rust problem these items have. Also spray it liberally around the engine compartment on my boat.

George

knotscott

I use Boeshield T9 and a couple of coats of Johnson's wax on the larger cast iron surfaces. This year I even covered the TS and jointer with old sheets.

jeffreythree

Just remember WD-40 is lighter than water. It will lock in any moisture already present, higher density lubricants will displace the existing water. I think LPS is higher density but can't find my can.

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The woodsman

Actually W-D 40 does displace water,I used it for yrs when working on cars,take on where the plus wires and distributor got wet ,just spray it with W-C 40 and it would fire right up.Still use it around small engines,plus all my tools.as for wax I just use the cheapest I can find.

firehawkmph

Termite,
I used to have this problem before I insulated my shop. Not quite as extreme, but I remember going out there and seeing beads of condensation on metal surfaces. Only when you had one of those extreme temperature swings from cold to warm. Once I insulated the building, it virtually eliminated the problem.
Mike Hawkins

Gerry KIERNAN

Hi Thekctermite. You might want to look at buying a dehumidifier and keeping the doors and windows closed in wet weather.

Gerry

steve mackay

Gotta crow for Johnson's ! But before I put it on WD-40 goes into all the little tight spots. Wipe it down, then Johnson's EVERYWHERE. You gotta figure . . . It can't really hurt anything. Just watch out . . . tablesaw and planes are "slick as snot on a doorknob" !

dbhost

And all this time I thought Houston was humid...

I have been using Johnson's Paste Wax on my cast iron, but the results are not what I would like...

__________________
-- Trying to follow the example of the master...

TheRecklessOne

I use SC Johnson Paste Wax that comes in the yellow and red can based on some advice I got on here somewhere. I only use it for the table saw top though...

KC is my hometown though and humidity here is never that bad..despite being 5 minutes from the ocean..

Kenbo

I use a blue label paste wax from Lee Valley. I have tried other waxes and don't like them but this one is fantastic. It seemed a little pricey to me but I found that I use a lot less of it. We had a really humid day here yesterday, with extreme temperature changes from cold to mild. Fog was so bad, you couldn't see 10' in front of you. You guys are getting me worried about my tools. Better go check 'em.
Ken

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rag

T-9 is the best !!!! No need to worry about contaminating wood projects.
My wife hangs wash in the basement where my shop is set up and I have no problems from rust.

Kudzupatch

If you wax, and I do. Just don't use an automotive wax or one with silicon in it. It can get on the wood and create finish problems. That is why so many suggest Johnson's.

I also use a Gulf Wax a lot of the time. It makes a good lubricant where you don't want grease and shavings sticking. Makes cast iron beds slick too.

Shamus

I had a similar problem several years ago. A machinists friend said I should try teflon. Now I've read comments over the years about why teflon wasn't the best choice but I have seen what it can do if you get the right stuff.

I bought DuPont Teflon Non-Stick Dry-Film Lubricant from my local dealer. It's a spray can and you apply the same as any spray paint. Once dry you have sealed out moisture. I have not had any rust and the surface is silky smooth to the touch. I put it on once, 5 years ago and wood slides easliy even on high humidity days.

Just Bill

to 2nd-3rd-4th on waxing metal surfaces, no silicone based stuff. But a small fan in the garage can do a lot to preventing the problem. Does not have to big, just to circulate air.

thekctermite

I used TopSaver on all my tools this weekend and immediately followed up with a couple coats of this stuff. It is all I could find at the local box store.


It went on very easily and buffed out pretty easily too. I did a couple coats for good measure. It sure takes all the fricton off the tools' tops, which is kinda nice.

We'll see how it does against rust.

Sawduster

It seems to me that putting a refrigerator in your garage is a much better idea than buying a dehumidifier. It'll suck a lot of the moisture out of the air and at the same time give you a place to stash masking tape, PVC cement and maybe a beverage or two.