wrote in message
oups.com...
While moving my mother out of her house we inherited some old
blacksmith tools. The tools show just about every grade of rust from
bad to worse but I would like to clean them and treat them. I plan on
power washing (1800 psi husky) drying out in the sun. My question is
if I plan on storing them for a year or so could I lightly treat them
with 10-30 motor oil, and when they get to there final display
destination would this grade oil slow the rust? Opinions
welcome..................Doc

Most people wirebrush and use black rustoleum, but I think that looks tacky.
One year, for a gag gift for my brother, I had this 40" gear off an old
tractor or something, that I paid 20 bucks for at a yard sale. I took it to
local metalfinishing place and had it media-blasted and clear-coated with
some sort of protectant. 10 years later, still looks good. He was supposed
to make a sundial out of it, but never got around to it.

For what you want, brush off the rust and lightly oil it. You will probably
lose the work patina. You want it to look like active railroad track or
manhole cover- not rusty, but not babied. I'd use gun oil, not motor oil, if
they will live inside. Or for no-stink, no-smear, use cheap car wax, just
wiped on thinly and not buffed.

aem sends...