Removing surface rust

NewGunPlumber · Jun 24, 2021

Recently purchased a mill that has had very little use but has been storage for approximately 15yrs. It has obviously had some form of preservative but there is some light rust on the table and other surfaces that I'd like to remove.

What is the best method to remove light rust like this without damaging the surfaces? I have seen some used machines for sale that have been wire buffed but am unsure if this would cause any damage

SAG 180 · Jun 24, 2021

NewGunPlumber said:
Recently purchased a mill that has had very little use but has been storage for approximately 15yrs. It has obviously had some form of preservative but there is some light rust on the table and other surfaces that I'd like to remove.

What is the best method to remove light rust like this without damaging the surfaces? I have seen some used machines for sale that have been wire buffed but am unsure if this would cause any damage

Steel wool is non abrasive is generally accepted for this and will need some elbow grease to work but won't cause damage to the iron itself.

Peter from Holland · Jun 24, 2021

Scotch brite with phosphor acid
Over her we have toilet cleaners which work for rustremover it says on the label
They contain pfosphor acid with some inhibitors that make it work better it says
Neutalize with some detergent Dry and then inmediatly apply some oil

Peter

jwearing · Jun 24, 2021

Evaporust for anything that fits in the bucket, razor blade for anything flat, wire wheel for everything else.

TeachMePlease · Jun 24, 2021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qjj6SadiJO4

52 Ford · Jun 24, 2021

jwearing said:
Evaporust for anything that fits in the bucket, razor blade for anything flat, wire wheel for everything else.

I second using EvapoRust. That stuff is like magic. I think there's a gel version you can brush on like paint stripper. I haven't used it, but I imagine it's worth a shot.

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52 Ford · Jun 24, 2021

NewGunPlumber said:
Recently purchased a mill that has had very little use but has been storage for approximately 15yrs. It has obviously had some form of preservative but there is some light rust on the table and other surfaces that I'd like to remove.

What is the best method to remove light rust like this without damaging the surfaces? I have seen some used machines for sale that have been wire buffed but am unsure if this would cause any damage

Here's a link to that EvapoRust Gel.
Amazon.com: Evapo-Rust GEL Rust Remover Removes Rust and Rust Stains from Most Surfaces, 8oz: Automotive

I think Home Depot and Lowes sell it, too.

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dalmatiangirl61 · Jun 24, 2021

52 Ford said:
Here's a link to that EvapoRust Gel.
Amazon.com: Evapo-Rust GEL Rust Remover Removes Rust and Rust Stains from Most Surfaces, 8oz: Automotive

I think Home Depot and Lowes sell it, too.

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The OP is in Australia, according to another Aussie poster E-R is not available at a reasonable cost there, so he might be better off doing an electrolysis tank. For large flat surfaces a razor blade is the way to go.

jhov · Jun 24, 2021

jwearing said:
Evaporust for anything that fits in the bucket, razor blade for anything flat, wire wheel for everything else.

Evaporust works well on larger surfaces too. Soak a paper shop towel in it, lay it on the surface then cover it with a trash bag. Make sure the paper towel makes good contact with the surface. You can lay or lightly clamp something on to hold it against the surface.

NewGunPlumber · Jun 24, 2021

Yeah no joy with evaporust over here. Its very minimal so might just try some steel wool / scotch bright and use a bit of penetrene to help break it down and see how it goes.

Just a Sparky · Jun 24, 2021

NewGunPlumber said:
Recently purchased a mill that has had very little use but has been storage for approximately 15yrs. It has obviously had some form of preservative but there is some light rust on the table and other surfaces that I'd like to remove.

What is the best method to remove light rust like this without damaging the surfaces? I have seen some used machines for sale that have been wire buffed but am unsure if this would cause any damage

Any light oil and a brass brush. Soft steel wire wheels are often okay as long as you keep them away from non-hardened precision surfaces. Handwheels, ball cranks, hardened gear teeth, etc.

Consider a penetrating oil like Kroil for dissolving preservatives and waxy residue in conjunction with the action of the brush.

Bill D · Jun 24, 2021

EDTA and water is the basic ingredient in evaporust.
Bill D

AHS · Jun 24, 2021

You could also use vinegar, it's not fast but does work well. It won't remove paint.

MichaelP · Jun 25, 2021

Phosphoric acid is cheap and widely available. Usually, they sell it in hardware stores as a concrete cleaner (or etcher) or "phosphoric prep" for metals and concrete, and it can be used "as is" or diluted 2:1 or 1:1 with water (I usually use 2 parts of acid to 1 part of water).

I like Evaporust and used it very often, but nowadays I almost completely replaced it with phosphoric acid. The results are virtually identical, and the acid works quicker.

dian · Jun 25, 2021

hm, in my experience phosphoric undiluted will not do much. it needs water. i use a solution of around 15-20%.

MichaelP · Jun 25, 2021

dian said:
hm, in my experience phosphoric undiluted will not do much. it needs water. i use a solution of around 15-20%.

I'm sure what they sell in OUR hardware stores is already diluted acid.

In any case, it works "as is" very well. But further dilution makes it more economical without any noticeable drop in efficacy.

richard newman · Jun 25, 2021

I really like Evaporust, especially that it doesn't eat any steel even if the part is left in for days. Can't remember, does plain phosphoric go after the steel if left in too long. Definitely happens with citric acid.

Glad to learn about the gel, just ordered some, seems like it will be very useful.

jim rozen · Jun 25, 2021

All very interesting, can anyone tell me how remove *subsurface* rust?

=)

Bill D · Jun 25, 2021

TeachMePlease said:
Laser Paint And Rust Removal Tool - YouTube

Can you do this on painted wood?

52 Ford · Jun 26, 2021

jim rozen said:
All very interesting, can anyone tell me how remove *subsurface* rust?

=)

I've have pretty good luck finding all the hidden rust in cast iron when I weld it. [emoji2959]

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Removing surface rust

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