Note: This is the first general article that TTTG ever published, from NEWS #005.
The care of tools must lie ultimately in the hands of the owner regarding zappearance, use, conservation, restoration, the time and materials available and the condition of them at the beginning.
One method of cleaning tools which must be stopped is the use of the motorised wheel because it imparts an unnatural finish, rounds sharp edges, removes or blurs makers names, numbers and trade marks. They can also remove traces of the original finish and the evidence of the original methods of manufacture such as hand forging marks, sand cast, stamped or machined from a solid block.
For steel tools like chisels and spanners that have a thick coat of rust a hand held wire brush is unlikely to do any harm if not over done, care being taken not to take off the fine layer immediately above the shiny metal as when this brown or black layer is oiled it gives the same appearance of a well used, and not abused or neglected tool.
From the brushed stage or surface rusted condition, steel wool with oil, penetrating oil or both can be rubbed over the tool to give a smooth though still dark finish. For tools in this state I have found that a nice , non soiling surface is imparted by using beeswax polish and rubbing to a low sheen. In the case where a cutting tool is going to be used, the grinding and the face opposite which forms the cutting edge should be the only places where shiny metal is exposed but this may be extended to friction surfaces such as.the soles of metal planes or spokeshaves and the like where roughness would score the wood or rust cause unwanted stains. By being careful it is possible to preserve about 90% of the original fire-blue on tools even when they have been rusted all over and nearly the same percentage when blued with chemicals. Even when not blued a nice brown finish all of which when oiled will help resist further rusting.
Never use this method on soft materiais like iron, brass, aluminium and the similar soft alloys as they will be damaged by the hardened wire bristles and the steel wool as will any wood that may be part of the tool. These other parts have their own particular methrods for cleaning and polishing to minimise damage and give the finish required.
This is not the definitive method of cleaning up steel tools but for most pieces more satisfactory than using wire wheels, grindstones, acids, sandpapers and files which if not used wisely can turn a rare and/or valuable tool into worthless scrap. So if there is any doubt as to the final result the golden rule must be....DON'T DO IT!!
N.B.. Whilst we are more than happy to print articles of potential interest to members it should be understood that neither the editor nor the committee necessarily endorse the views expressed. They are exactly what they appear to be, the thoughts of one of our members.