Quoted:
I was interested reading in the antiques section of practical machinist about using single edge razors to remove surface rust.The guy (rivett608) gets good results judging from the pics.I have a rusted pratt & whitney level to try this out on next time I get to the store to get razors
I used to collect old beer cans at one point.
We would go out to the old dumps and dig them up.
Oxalic acid is by far, the most effective, yet easy-on-the-metal rust remover I have come across.
We would find "mystery cans", take them home and let them sit in an oxalic bath for about an hour.
When done, you would be able to read almost everything on the label.
For tools, regular "catalyst penetrant" types of lube, combined with a Scotch Brite pad usually do the trick.
You can get varying levels of abrasiveness in the pads.
Green = Mild, use it on glass and dishware.
Grey = Medium, will haze a polished surface.
Red = Harsh, will actually abrade the metal.
Those are all available at HomeDepot,,,Even better stuff is available elsewhere.
BTW...I was poking around at the lathe today...There is no rust "pitting" on anything, Just very, VERY light rust on the rails and a couple gears in the head.
Near as I can tell, all of the bolts are rust-free and covered in grimy dirt.
The belts on this machine are (I believe) original...and show almost no wear...still as supple as a new belt should be!
This is gonna be easy.