Shopsmith Forums

Just purchased a couple of 1957 models with lots of rust on tubes.
Anyone found a product that removes with least work?

I recently had good luck using Evapo-Rust. It's not caustic and can be reused. You can sit things in it or, if they're too big, you can saturate a rag with it and put it over the rust. Wash it off and dry the item. If the EvapoRust isn't discolored, you can put it back in the container and reuse it.

I've just finished de-rusting the bench tubes on a greenie. They were badly rusted. I made a tray and lined it with plastic. Poored in about 2 gallons of evapo-rust and let the tubes soak for 24 hours. Came out completely rust free inside and out. I then chucked them up in my spare Shopsmith and polished them starting with 60 grit and finishing with 400 grit wet/dry black sandpaper. Electrolysis is the best method but I've never tried it.

I recently acquired two OPRs. Both had moderate to deep rust on the steel support tubes. I had surprisingly good results using the electrolysis methods mentioned in prior postings. I would recommend giving that method a try prior to any chemicals.

I have had very good results using evaporust, but if the rust is 'heavy' I would opt for electrolysis. It is also MUCH cheaper!

I just this morning tripped over a web site that had a clip from an earlier Sawdust segment showing rust removal from the steel tubes using a cut up Potato. Might be worth a look...

http://shopsmith-tool-hunter.blogspot.com/

Good luck,

Ed Robinson
Foster, RI

BigEd wrote:I just this morning tripped over a web site that had a clip from an earlier Sawdust segment showing rust removal from the steel tubes using a cut up Potato. Might be worth a look...

http://shopsmith-tool-hunter.blogspot.com/

Good luck,

Ed Robinson
Foster, RI

Did you notice the time element???? OK for LIGHT RUST if you have a month to do it(1 wk/tube ) less if more than one at a time. Evaporust works over night. Same for electrolysis.

JPG is right. Bought Evapo Rust at $20 for a gallon at Harbor Freight, bought schedule 40 and end caps. Sealed tube with cap, poured Evapo Rust in, placed tube in over night, rinsed (BE SURE TO DO THAT), put other tube in overnight and was happy with results. Amazing stuff. Might put it on toast!

Sorry so late with response but had death in family.
Will try out.
Bob