On Sat, 8 May 2004 06:02:31 -0700, "Paul O."
wrote:

Did a google for rust removal and saw a few references for removal of
lightly rusted hand tools using table salt and vinegar.

Bad idea.

It doesn't work especially well.

It's _really_ risky on some copper-based alloys, especially bronzes.
You do _not_ want to start chloride-based corrosion on bronzes, as it
can be impossible to stop this afterwards.

Acid processes around ferrous materials are likely to give colour
changes (mainly darkening). You may find this useful, if you _want_ to
blacken things.

If you're cleaning ferrous metals, go for cathodic electrolysis. It's
easy to do, hard to get wrong, non-damaging and works really well.

For ferrous, a citric acid technique is commonplace (mainly for
museum-grade work on _really_ damaged items, particularly iron rather
than steel. IMHE, electrolysis is much simpler and works as well.

For brass or other cuprous alloys, a vinegar soak alone can be useful.
Don't leave it too long, or you'll find the brass de-zincs and turns
pinc.

--
Smert' spamionam