Shade Tree Tips #4

[Hillbilly]

In dealing with used machines, rust or surface rust is an ever present problem. It happens when iron oxodizes or mixes with oxygen in the air. The salt content in certain products like nuts can also speed up this process. The result is called rust.

For heavy rust the answer is to use a wire brush or wheel and remove as much of the loose rust as possible. Then use an over the counter rust remover to do the rest. Available at most hardware stores. Reverse electrolysis can also be used. By hooking up a 6 volt trickle charger backwards to the piece with rust on it and submerging it in water. Don't forget to add a small packet of salt. Simply stated, the things that make rust are the same things you take it off with.You just reverse the charge.

For light rust that forms on the springs and mechanism's there are a couple of things you can do. First brush off as much as you can. Using white vinegar and letting the parts soak over night is really great. I used to do this with tools and they would clean up rather nice. You can also add some lemon juice and you have a non toxic heavy duty cleaner. Brush as often as needed to remove heavy oxidation. This will remove the stubborn rust stains that you see on the spring retainers on the brush housings.

Once you are done try to put on a light coat of wax or spray with clear silicone. It will keep it from coming back.

I've used these methods with candy brush housing springs, stir springs, center rods, screws and bolts, the back parts on coin mechanism's.

[Beach Bum Vending]

Another great tip I need just come do some refurbish projects with you and watch and learn how you do things.