Winter Has Been Hard On The Workshop. Servicing My Hand Tools Preventing Corrosion.
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- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- In this video I clean and service my tools, after a wet winter that has been hard on the tools with corrosion. I need to sort the temperature and humidity in my workshop.
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I love this channel because you don’t pretend to be perfect. Seeing real examples of mistakes and minor problems is invaluable-it helps us learn how to handle those situations when we inevitably face them ourselves!🙂
I appreciate that!
Hi John, I live in Michigan USA. During winter months we have huge temperature swings. So in order to keep tools from rusting and mold issues down I use Charcoal Briquets, yep same stuff for barbecue. Fill up some pails and place them around shop. My shop is approx. 700 sq. ft.
and I use 3 bags and it cuts moisture tremendously. No rust anymore. BTW I usually do not heat my shop unless I am using it. Take care bud.
Thanks for the info!
Hi John i don't have workshop yet ! so I store all my tools in plastic crates on racks in my cellar, I put a pot of 'vicks' vapour rub in with each plane .....so far it has worked very well with no signs of rust. When I get to build a till for my planes I will put them in a glass fronted cabinett and a Pot 'Vicks' !
Hi John the tin shed doesn't help. Might be worth looking to insulate the shed.. I use the silver buddle rap insulation as it has great r value and wont be damaged by moisture.
leave a corner on the shop uninsulated as a cold spot where any moisture can condense. keep the plan till box closed and I save up the moisture sachets, the ones that come with posted goods. Put them in your plane till and tool storages drawers/boxes to spoke up the moisture. the plane till, paint it or use a stained/coloured varnish to refresh it all. All tools in my view should look like they have been used and have a story. yours have a story. More making, more videos you are dong a great job. all the best John
I've had good experience using a polishing compound (Autosol) for some of the discolouration that shows up on planes. Bonus its good for some parts on your motorcycle too! Fantastic stuff, a little on a cotton cloth goes a long way.
John, something that jumps out to me is that it’s a cabinet with doors. You could be closing your doors and putting a moisture absorbing product like damprid in there. Good video, it brought a lot of my inadequacies to light. Thanks
John, my workshop is much smaller than your (6’x8’) and to start with wasn’t insulated. My tools rusted quickly. Oiling and waxing doesn’t do anything to stop this. I have now insulated, mostly with 10mm foam to preserve as much precious space as possible and my tools have absolutely no rust problem at all. I also have a small oil filled radiator on a thermostatic plug to stop the workshop from dropping below 10 degrees. If the humidity goes above 65% I put a humidifier in there.
I was told by my grandfather years ago.(I am in my 70s) Look after your tools and they will look after you. Just as you're doing. What he also taught me was after oiling your tools is to burn the oil with a blowlamp. This is not a permanent solution, but increases the protection and stops oil being transferred onto your new work project. old ways sometimes work pretty well.look forward to your next video, always interesting, thanks.
Hi John, two years ago I built myself a new workshop here in the UK and decided to wrap all four sides, floor and roof in Tyvek (or whatever the UK equivalent is) over foam insulation. I remember almost regretting it as the project was already expensive enough and Tyvek and the adhesive tape is very expensive. I thought I'd gone a bit overboard with it all. I've got to say that now though, having been through two winters, it has been well worth it. I have absolutely no issues at all with damp or mould and do nothing to my hand tools. I can also have a fan heater going and still no damp or condensation, the stuff is a marvel. Over the years, with the time saved and no damage to expensive tools it will probably pay for itself and it's a very comfortable environment to work in. If I was to build another it would be high on my priority list. Great channel.
Metal workshops need insulating especially the roof, and avoid like the plague any form of gas heating, run a dehumidifier 24/7 in the winter months. Also it will probably help if you keep your tool cupboard closed and seal the surfaces of it to discourage moisture ingress. My table saw bandsaw and pillar drill i made wooden covers for them and sealed the covers with a thick coat of wax, seem to work for me, never heard of the charcoal solution before but sounds interesting as i guess every little helps. thanks for sharing and good luck.
Hi John, sorry to see you are having problems with the tools due to rust. In order to remove the rust, I use Garryflex blocks. They are not as aggressive as the products you are using, highly recommended. They come in three different grits but do not scratch and remove very minimal material. I finish all mine with a Liberal coat of light machine oil or was. Good luck with the cleanup 👍
If you toss some desiccant packs in your tool drawers and tool cabinet, they help keep the moisture level down. I have a bunch in my tool cabinet with my hand planes.
HI, I saw previous comments, to stop condensation your workshop temperature cant fall below 11c. Alternatively you could have doors for cabinet containing planes with a green house electric oil filled heater as these are cheap to run. I use Camellia oil from Axminster, works well.
Dehumidifier will help lots. Try to line the ceiling and walls if possible as it will reduce the drips and moisture levels. A woodburning stove is also a very good drier.
I have to do the annual sometimes biannual, clean up of tools and machinery here and it's more difficult after the effects of moisture than before. Moisture in timber can be more difficult to rid. Try a cabinet or other types of scrapers if sanding fails. The entire clean up costs me a week or so here. Good luck with all
Ken (joiner), Snowdonia Wales.
Hi John, after cleaning trying using a light machine oil to protect agraint rusting.
In my experience it's all about insulation and reducing airflow, opposite to what you often hear! You want an environment that takes longer for temperature swings so that tools can change temperature at the same rate, also by having power air change any dehumidifier you have can actually reduce the humidity of the air in the workshop rather than new damp air continuously coming in. I had the same problems in an old garage workshop I had, especially with birch ply. With the new workshop I insulated the roof and doors, still only single brick walls, but I don't need to wax anything regularly. I also just installed a diesel heater which is amazing for about £70!
Hi John, feel your pain mate as I also have a largish workshop/ garage unheated with metal roof. I found certainly for my table saw and my other cast iron tools that Axminster wax wasn’t that brilliant to protect from rust/pitting . However after having a lot of pitting on my then almost brand new Axminster table saw. I managed to remove the vast majority of it with various stuff WD40 to start. But then I used Carbon Method cleaner and then Ceramic coating. Well I am now a year on and no rust at all. Really impressed. And albeit from Blighty/Eire I live in Sweden and the temperature fluctuations have been ridiculous this year. From 3c to -19c over a couple of nights and then back up to near 0c. So lots of changes, but results have been great. So I will be using this all the while on many of my cast iron tools.
I think moving forward I will be getting my garage/workshop roof insulated and heated. Big hit financially but has to be worth while doing.
Hi John, I had exactly the same problem as you. I built a tool cabinet based on your idea and a plane till similar to yours. I also left my tools in the garage over the winter even though I don’t do much woodworking during this time. So last March when I started working in my garage workshop the first thing I did was to check all the tools thinking all would be well as I sprayed them all with 3 in 1 oil in late autumn, to my horror all my plane were stained / corroded just like yours. Most of the staining was on the soles of the planes and I thought at the time there must be some chemical reaction from the glues used to bond the plywood aggravated by the damp atmosphere. Anyway like you I cleaned the plywood surface and then placed some absorbent paper in each section of the plane till and then sprayed the paper with 3 in 1 oil. I then cleaned the planes and placed them back on the till. Following that experience I brought all my planes in the house over this winter and I intend to modify the surface of the till by placing some fabric on top of the plywood and spraying some oil on it to keep the soles of the planes protected.
I would also recommend making an “oil rag in a can” like Paul Sellers for wiping and protecting the surfaces of your machines and hand tools.
i done the rag in a can wipe all time still it appears
Before you do anything at all, you should purchase a dehumidifier and run it constantly. Then you can remove your tools from the cabinet and treat them, etc.. also, I’ve had very good luck with very fine steel wool and light 13:34 machine oil to remove the light pitting
I feel this video so much every time this year, the joys of a Galway freezing winter garage shop 😢
Tell me about it
John, I have a basement shop that gets pretty damp. I run a dehumidifier 24/7 in my shop. It has a drain that I run a hose to a sewer connection. I also coat all my metal hand tools with a hard bees wax before I put them away.
I realize this happens everywhere but I am very glad I live in a desert environment! But then again, green is a color I don't see often ...
I don't know what advice I can offer since we live in such different environments but just like you said, after a project is completed, brush off the sawdust at the very least. Good luck!
everything is a trade off
An additional bit of advice, I built wood boxes for all my quality tools and finish them with oils. During storage periods keep the tools boxed and place silica desiccant sachets into the boxes. That works well but lot's of work to make the boxes..
I find dusting my tolls off and then a wipe down with a cloth soaked in Jojoba oil, which I keep in a ziplock, is working well and the oil really lasts. But I also run a dehumidifier, an old Electrolux, in my shop which is nothing more than a attached garage with a less than ideal roller door with water ingress top and bottom due to it facing the predominate wind direction in Galway.
John, it's looking like you are going to have to do a little bit of insulation installing within the workshop's wall spaces, this is the one area that I spent plenty of time doing in my own workshop as i was concerned about moisturiser content. Honestly if truth be told it's probably the best decision I made, as this year I've only found very very slight marks upon my tablesaw and that is my fault completely as i forgot to add the machine wax to it 🫣🤯. It's no fun having to go back into the workshop and find out there is rust starting to appear on your tool's especially when you consider just how much money you've spent buying them to begin with 😥🤨. Great to see you giving some love to your handtool's even if it's a bit late in the day 🤔🧐. Nothing more satisfying than finding out that you managed to basically catch the rust intime and get rid of it. Once its taken a good hold of the tool's it can be a right pain in the arse to get rid of it , good job👏🫡 there's certainly a big difference between the before and after effects on your tool's. As always buddy 💯% 👍 🇬🇧.
I know the struggle of the fight with humidity. Glad you're getting ahead of it before it ruins anything
It is a struggle
Hi John thanks for that ya may put insulation at the back dehumidifier should work. John I can't find the bird house you make any suggestions
I have this exact problem. Bad enough that I keep my cast iron tools in a box in the house most of the year. Except the table saw which I just make sure to check regularly even when I don't have time to use it.
I know what you're saying about it being disheartening. When my nicest plane first got a bit of rust, I was very upset. But once I cleaned it up and got them protected and stored better, I realised they were still exactly the same great tool they always were. The aesthetics were only important to me when they were perfect, now they don't matter and it's really freeing. If it gets a bit of rust again I'll still be annoyed with myself, but I won't be so disheartened by having to clean it up, because they're already not perfect.
Tinfoil is amazing for cleaning rust off of tools with a bit of WD-40 is magic I even clean chrome bumpers on old cars with it in the past. But also a piece of wet enjoy on a piece of glass and just clean the bottom up really smooth is a great option to
Great tip!
To help with the condensation, put some cat litter in some socks and place them around the hand tools.
I would say your metal Roof with no insulation on it is major problem, as I have had the similar problems, I finally got my roof and walls insulated, and I’ve now got a log fire on which is normally on every day, as I can cook on it as well, good luck with cleaning your tools, ⚒️
I use the Woods WDD80 for my small workshop. Its awesome. Keeps humidity below 50% :)
I use a dehumidifier in my house to help reduce moisture levels. They work great, however, they don’t work so well if the building they are housed in is open to the external environment, ie is not particularly well sealed. If your shed is large, and leaky, the dehumidifier performance may be poor. How about exploring the construction of a “Tool Room” within your shed - of the appropriate size - where tools can be over-wintered? This room could be well insulated and contain your dehumidifier. Just a thought. You have so many good tools that need protecting.
A de-humidifier will only work when you raise the temperature enough to evaporate all moisture from wood, etc. Only then, can it capture the moisture now in the atmosphere. A wood burner is a fantastic investment for this reason & running it even just once a week makes a huge difference.
Liberon lubricating wax can be applied to cast iron surfaces to great effect.
I’ve had issue with humidity and rust living near a salt water shore line! Not just moisture but the salt from the ocean would show rust in a week or less. This yr I had shoulder surgery and knowing I wouldn’t be out for months I started testing rust preventives a month or so before. Tried T-9 and oh my god! It’s been 6 months now and still zero rust! And I have been using the tools again (though still smaller and less often) I can not recommend the stuff enough!
I'll check it out
@@JohnMcGrathManInShed it works amazingly.. Note- you still have to wax over it on things like jointers and planes as it's doesn't leave a "slippery" surface, just a rust free. I wax right over it , just less often than I did when I was fighting rust with the wax only
Here in kildare and Constantly waxing and fine sanding rust off my cast iron table saw - the struggle is real 😂
It never ends
I'm in the same boat in Virginia.
Super useful video. What was that spray cleaner you were using on the planes?
It's just a multi purpose lubricant similar to WD40
John, try adding a small piece of wood, about 1/8" thick or so, under the heal of your hand planes. This will keep the sole off of the base of the plane till and might help. I have added small piece of wood under all of mine. I just used the offcut from edging a board on the table saw. Hope this helps.
Good idea
I have the same issue these days with the steel shed. Wicklow's been more sheltered than the south coast, but it bites anyway.
Boeing T9 is supposedly great, but I couldn't find it round here; what I could find very easily is the Canadian version of T9, ACF50. It seems every motorbike shop in Ireland has it - I got mine from Bikeworld and I've kept the lathe, all the machined surfaces of the tools and so on all covered in it. But the handplanes suffered anyway - I wasn't as careful coating them. I have some rehab work ahead of me now as a result. 😮💨
Planning on using those nylon abrasive pads rather than anything more aggressive though. Maybe a brass wire wheel for the worst bits since the steel is tougher.
I'm in Florida I know this all to well. Gotta finish all the wood to stop the mold and oil can to oil all my tools as I put them away
Sounds like you need a proper tool chest. Being in the Midwest high humidity and temperature fluctuation are the name of the game. A proper tool chest has been what I've done and has been working well.
having same problem in my workshop end up spending more time sorting out tools than working spay tools wipe down exact like you do and bang drys out quickly what ever i use
Hi John, I have a similar problem, I do have a block built garage and workshop with a metal corrugated roof and it the winter months the roof is wet with condensation and when it gets freezing the inside of the roof ices over. Metal surfaces end up with surface rust my pillar drill and my small work top band saw gets surface rust and also the problem with condensation on metal is the florescent lights. For my tools I use 3 in 1 spray oil or WD40 but I have heard silicone spray is good, haven't tried it. As always a great video, take care
WD-40 (at least in its original formulation) is specifically designed to protect against moisture. WD stands for water displacement. I’d be wary of putting silicone on my tools. Silicone and most wood finishes don’t usually play well together.
@@Cooper_42 Thanks for the tip on silicone
I would have thought some property insulation and then boarded over the top would keep the mould away for the most part?
What I do with my tools is give them a quick spray with a product from Wurth it's called woodglide. So far it has kept the rust at bay. It's also works great for getting rid of friction on the table saw planner and thicknesser. Especially in the middle of a job when you can just give the machines a quick spray and straight back to work.
I have not heard of that, I will defiantly check it out
@JohnMcGrathManInShed soz John it is called woodslide, you can get it as an aerosol or a container so you can refill your own bottles. It also reduces pitch build up on your blades especially when using green oak but unfortunately does not eliminate it.
Oxalic acid might help remove the mold stains in the plywood. Once completely dry you can cover it in a marine varnish or another film building finish. To prevent it from returning. I've also heard that placing camphor tablets in your tool cabinet will prevent rust build up. The camphor will coat all your tools in a light film of oil. I haven't tried it myself but my grandfather had them all around his shed
Thanks for the tip
@@JohnMcGrathManInShed: check the toxicity of oxalic acid, and how to use it safely. It will remove wood stains, but care needs to be taken when using it.
Moth balls?
ruclips.net/user/shortsYtpRaK3AW7Q?si=2xzOeaAt1zqXFfNw
Here's a video explaining camphor
Got my own to do, ging to use normal wax, the summer heat strips the wax, clearcoat is best 5 coats
Try this Zerust Anti-Rust And Corrosion Drawer Liner. It works great if you cut the map to match the plane bottom.
I will check it out
Should you decide to line the ceiling and walls, apply insulation, with moisture and vapour barriers to the construction methodology.
Would you not get a woodstove for your workshop to heat it up? I have one in my 16 ft square workshop and it gets hot inside very quickly. Occasionally, I stick the dehumidifier in there as well.
Could you build an insulated workshop inside the building.
hi John did the sole's of your hand plane's stay flat? mine seem to suffer from the cold.
I haven't had any issues with them staying flat thankfully
Trie a split less unit in your shop.
Hi John. Sadly my 'workshop' (metal shed) is 10 times worse (and more neglected) than yours but now I'm inspired to address it. But where did you get that machine wax from? I can't find it on Amazon...
Its Axminster machine wax, and Protec Tool from workshop heaven
You got to take them with you in the house when it's winter 😅
Not sure if the wife would be happy
@JohnMcGrathManInShed she will ☝️
Just tell her otherwise you'll have to buy everything new 😂 no money left for shoes then 😂🙊
Have you tried a product called ProtecTool wax. I live near the coast in the UK, so damp and humid, and this has never failed me.
I was using it in the video John what were you watching 😂
Obviously not listening ! but as you said not a ‘great job’
I built a load of plywood cabinets in my garage in south west England 6 years ago and coated them with brimax. Unfortunately the first winter I had the same issue as you're having. My cabinets are permanently stained with mould. I couldn't even remove with oxalic acid. I now run a dehumidifier all winter long which has really helped. I now use osmo bathroom seal on any new cabinets and so far no mould damage
I'll check out that Osmo bathroom seal
The best bang for your buck is, as you already know insulation!
The next level things are all periodic expenses so will build up over time. A cheap Chinese Diesel heater will give you the most economic controlled method of heating (check out Joshua DeLisle atruclips.net/video/gNKTZosL6d8/видео.html ) Of course you are a woodworker so a woodburning stove might also be an option. Put plenty of thermal mass round it if you do as you want slow heat escaping to keep your shed slightly warmer (and thus able to hold more moisture in the air without dropping it on colder surfaces like your tools). I am unsure of the position of your "shed" but a good window might let sun in for passive heating of a concrete floor?
Once you are past that you move on to dehumidifiers. One good option for that is to get your hands on a condensing tumble dryer, Vent the blowing part to and from outside and just allow the natural temp difference between in and outside of your shed to allow the condensing of your internal air. The water collected can be fed outside too so it can be a plug in and forget device or even put it on a timer. But don't use the heater element unless you are richer than you say! ;o) You could make a passive dehumidifier out of nothing more than a sheet of steel bolted to your outside wall and with a tray fitted underneath to catch the water. This will be more effective if the temp swings are high!
Now we are starting to scrape the barrel in your case. Closing your tool cupboard doors would help the tools ..... especially if you put some hygroscopic material in a container to dry the air (that way when it gets full of dampness you take the material and leave it for a spell to dry in your oven (don't tell the Mrs .... they just do not seem to understand) Of course this will not help your big tools out of the cupboard ........ so finally we are down to "big industrial dehumidifiers"!
Hope that lot helped, or gave fresh ideas to someone!
Thanks for the info it is much appreciated