Shopsmith Forums

Hello

I have just purchased a ShopSmith 510 built in 1985 and I am getting this excellent machine into working adjustment.

I have quite a bit of rust on the lower tubes, the ones under the way tubes. I think this is only cosmetic, as nothing rides on the lower tubes and I am considering just taking emery cloth to the tubes to clean the rust off.

What is the best way to clean the rust off the lower tubes, and how should I prevent its return?

Thanks

The secret to keeping rust off a Shopsmith is to take care of it. The previous owner likely took it outside and let it get rained one, or possibly lived near the ocean.
My Shopsmith is a 1982 model. It has spend all of its life indoors, sometimes in the basement, and sometimes in an unheated garage that varied from 10 degrees to 110 degrees. It doesn't have any rust on it anywhere.

Thanks Beeg, the emery cloth worked great.

The lower (bench) tubes on the original Shopsmiths were painted. If they not longer will shine, then a primer and a good paint will allow you to make your Shopsmith look sharp. I found aluminum or chrome paint does not look sharp or good after a short time.

Check this out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYgnHDB3VNI

I have an engine lathe so with a homemade steady rest and some sand paper I got this there is one before and one after tube pictured

You can also remove rust by electrolysis
Google "electrolysis rust removal"
or look on youtube
Be careful this can cause pitting on the surface
the best electrolyte is washing soda NOT baking soda it pitts more
but if your gonna sand it afterwords anyhow...