The Traditional Tools Group Inc.

Masterpiece Sharpening and Honing Jig Illustrations to accompany article in Newsletter #76

Many different acids can be used to remove rust from iron and steel. Citric acid has an advantage over some other acids, because it is less caustic, not as hazardous environmentally, while remaining effective, cheap (although not as cheap as old battery acid). The chemistry is fairly simple, the rust (iron oxide) is solubilised by the acid (ammonium ion is also acidic) and the citrate ion coordinates to the iron ion forming soluble iron citrate.

More often than not, when we pick up an old hand saw at a market, we see the desperate attempts of well intentioned 'woodworkers' to get their saws to cut. The results of course are saws, which if human, would be a nightmare to the most competent dentist.