Shout-Out for Feedback from Corrosion is the Pits But You Can Control It

It's What's Between You and the Wood - Quality from Your Hand to Heirloom

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Greetings!

Thank you for reading our recent issue of Sharp & to the Point! Even though we wrote the article about corrosion in 2017, there are not many changes in the human relationship with rust and we believe the points made in the article are still helpful.

Of course, getting emails from readers saying so helps!

Two woodworkers replied with their own approaches that I want to share with you here. I hope you find them useful.

Of course, if there is anything you need from Hock Tools, please let me know.

Ron Hock

Hock Tools

(888) 282-5233

(707) 964-2782

Reader Feedback about Corrosion

How Two Busy Woodworkers Manage Rust

First, from the South Coast of Florida:

When I got your missive on corrosion, I thought your writing was great and on target. However, as a rust collector who lives on the shore of South Florida, it was all for naught. I’ve tried just about everything to no avail.

I finally got so fed and tired of seeing my nonbronze tools get corroded (still usable, but ugly), including a full set of Bad Axe saws, Starrett rules, and squares, LN tools, etc., I decided to call Starrett and ask what they recommend. Their solution for removing the rust was fine sandpaper (unacceptable). But to prevent rust, the person I spoke to recommended using Vaseline Petroleum Jelly. He said their nautical customers use this method.

It sounded crazy. So, I decided to try it. It works like magic. I shmeer the surfaces of anything in danger of rusting with the Vaseline. Did I write it works like magic? I went to BJs and bought 2 supersized vats of Vaseline and it cost me about $7. Should last a couple of years. -- SH

And this from Heartwood; Inside the Woodshop

Blogger Rob Porcaro (Two Installments!):

Corrosion X is the best rust preventer I have ever used. I have used it in my shop for many years. There is nothing wrong with it – no silicone, no flammability warnings, no VOCs, minimal smell. Yet we never hear about it in woodworking circles. (Except readers of my blog.)

I also use camellia oil for lighter protection on hand tools that will go directly to wood contact because Corrosion X is a heavier oil than camellia, though still pretty light. Corrosion X is the only stuff I use on cast iron machine tops, etc.

The list of users of Corrosion X products is impressive, including the US Navy. Give it a try and I’ll almost guarantee you’ll like it.

Rob Porcaro's Second Email:

On the subject, here’s are the rust products that I’ve used for years and highly recommend. I have no proprietary interest in any of these things but I can tell you that I have used them for many years and I do not have rust on my tools:

Corrosion X; the G.O.A.T. applied rust preventer in my opinion; VCI cups; and Zerust drawer liners. (for those of us old enough to not know: G.O.A.T. means Greatest of All Time).

Shout-Out for Feedback from Retail 1-2021 Rob Porcaro's Tool Oiler

Rob Porcaro's Heartwood; Inside the Woodshop is well worth your time, including dives into past blogs.

Rob's been providing professional and popular woodworking advice since 2008!

Rob included for us a link to one of his Heartwood blogs where he provides step-by-step instructions on how to make the shop-made tool (left) he uses when applying camellia oil. Rob is not alone in recommending camelia oil as protection when hand tools make direct contact with wood.

This tool oiler is 4 1/4” in overall height, with the diameter of the cylindrical upper portion at 2 1/8”.

*Note: the rolled felt wick you see here differs a bit from the one you see in Rob's Heartwood blog post. However, his instructions hold just the same.