HELP!!! Care for my chisels

[-JBergs-]

I bought a nice set of 12 carving chisels by Two Cherries – had them in storage after barely using them and a couple months ago when I took them back out to use I noticed some slight rust coming about on a few of them – needless to say I wanted to freak out because I spent a pretty penny on these and of course want to take nothing but the best care of them.

I had them wrapped in a leather tool roll tightly and I know they didn’t get wet… it must have been some kind of moisture getting to them – humidity? I don’t know – I live on Long Island, NY and I am assuming the relative humidity may be the culprit.

So my question(s) are this:

1. Since I am now using them several times a week, how do I avoid this from happening again?
a. It’s odd because it’s not the type of rust I’m used to – it’s not even reddish brown – it’s more like black and is very thin and squiggly like fine hair – almost as if I shaved over my chisels and let my facial hair drop on a few spots.
2. Is there some type of oil you can recommend I apply after each use before putting them back in the tool roll?
3. Where do you suggest I keep the tool roll when they’re not being used? (in the shed/garage outside or in the house)?
4. So now, how do I remove the slight surface rust there is? It’s slightly on the blade/bevel edge but mostly up the blade a bit away from the cutting edge.

Thanks for any help – all feedback is appreciated!

[vacation212]

Hi I am not sure but I think that the rust you are talking about is a stain and cannot be removed you could try to polish it but my experience has been only to dull any stain. If you are puting the tools away for any length of time I would coat them in oil [3 in one] I am not sure what is causing the problem other than humidity but the oil should help.

[Donsexton]

I know what caused the rust stain its the reaction with the leather tool roll. I don't worry about a little surface rust. I just keep my edge sharp. I use Henry Taylor tools they have mill scale on them from the forge no polish.

[kasee]

I use gum of camphor in my enclosed tool boxes. I take the cube of camphor and slit the wraper then put it in the bottom of the box. The camphor vaporizes and keeps a protective coating on the tools. If you expose too much of the camphor it will vaporize too fast and disappear. The tools I keep out on my bench rack I coat with a thin layer of furniture paste wax. I do the same on metal tables such as saw or drillpress. I try to keep most of my carving gouges and knives in the house. Temperature changes can cause moisture to form on the tools.

[Dan S]

I agree with Don. It's probably the leather. If you want the shine back use the finest steel wool you can find. It will restore the appearance of the tools. There is also an oil you can get from Japan woodworker that works well to protect tools. Although, I can't honestly say that it's any better than anything else I've used. I also like WD-40 My tools however are rust free.

Take care,
Dan

[markken5889]

I think the oil people are talking about is Camilia oil. You can get it in a spray bottle from Woodcraft or Tools For Working Wood. That's what I use and don't have any problems.

Mark

[brent]

I had trouble finding camphor blocks so I just took and old film canister and put some vapor-rub in it and it seems to work really well. I had to put my lathe, table saw and some other pieces in a storage building away from the house. Since those places are not moisture proof, this is where I used the vapor-rub. It also is camphor.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Originally Posted by -JBergs-

I bought a nice set of 12 carving chisels by Two Cherries – had them in storage after barely using them and a couple months ago when I took them back out to use I noticed some slight rust coming about on a few of them – needless to say I wanted to freak out because I spent a pretty penny on these and of course want to take nothing but the best care of them.

I had them wrapped in a leather tool roll tightly and I know they didn’t get wet… it must have been some kind of moisture getting to them – humidity? I don’t know – I live on Long Island, NY and I am assuming the relative humidity may be the culprit.

So my question(s) are this:

1. Since I am now using them several times a week, how do I avoid this from happening again?
a. It’s odd because it’s not the type of rust I’m used to – it’s not even reddish brown – it’s more like black and is very thin and squiggly like fine hair – almost as if I shaved over my chisels and let my facial hair drop on a few spots.
2. Is there some type of oil you can recommend I apply after each use before putting them back in the tool roll?
3. Where do you suggest I keep the tool roll when they’re not being used? (in the shed/garage outside or in the house)?
4. So now, how do I remove the slight surface rust there is? It’s slightly on the blade/bevel edge but mostly up the blade a bit away from the cutting edge.

Thanks for any help – all feedback is appreciated!

Don't do what I did, I left L. I. and came to Fl., talk about rust and humidity.

Dave

[Dileon]

I live in high humidity...zero leather can be used as covers or tool rolls here....as it does cause major moisture problems. I had some really nice leather tool rolls and knife covers...., they all caused rusting. I put all my tools in plastic...(tight fitting) tool boxes each blade is cover by plastic or foam to protect the blade. The small amount of rust you have, can be taken off with alot of stropping or scary sharp method. I have two cherry tools that are at least 30 some years old... they last a very long time. If you live near the ocean..you have to oil and wax to protect the tools. Honestly my problem was the fact I need to spending a lot more time taking care of my tools then I was. Some pros say at least 30% of your time should be spent on sharpening...so I had to really look at it...I want sharp, sharp tools so I stop digging my heals in...and spent the effort and time. This last year I have added a humidity heater in my cabinets for tools...this has stop all problems with rust and salt air. Di

[-JBergs-]

Wow everyone - thank you all kindly for your advice and feedback...

I think I'll have to start applying some oil or other substance as mentioned...but will that affect the use of the chisels when I pick them up to use every couple days or so? (do you just wipe it off and reapply when finished working?)

Thanks again!