Thread: Rust Prevention

Originally Posted by twistedfuse

Hello All,

Well things have been busy lately since my partner and I have started the process of building a house. Really looking forward to being able to have the space to do what i want without the worry that someone will complain(oh and my own shed). Good news is that the big cnc is still a goer and i have almost all the parts and just need some time to get it all done( will need to post update photos soon). Currently i have my cnc stored at a relatives shed while we save for the house. Biggest problem is im starting to see rust on the linear rails. Its not too bad in the fact its on the top surface and not in the bearing tracks but i still dont like it and am wondering what everyones thoughts are on rust prevention.

On friday i went out and squirted the rails with some trusty WD40 and lightly sanded back any bad spots(Most of which i think were where they were handled) After i got it clean i lubed the whole rail surface with lithium grease. While its stored too i have a layer of glad wrap over the rails just for dust prevention. The main issue im worried about also, is that it is near the beach, so im trying to prevent the salt air getting to it. This means that when the machine is complete i will need to clean the rails and most likely the bearing cars too to remove the excess grease.

So i guess the reason for posting this is to see wether what i have done will be enough and what other would do in my situation or suggest to do. All suggestions and comments welcome.

Daniel
P.S I will hopefully get stuck into posting updates as soon as i get a break from getting quotes on everything.

The guys I know who work on the big cnc machines recommend the old WD40 for protection against rust ! As the said to me Wd 40 was developed to combat rust on the rockets in the silos.

WD40 needs to be replenished on a daily basis... it's more for water displacement than a long term preventative. Inox is far, far better for that.

I use WD40 when cleaning my lathe and tools down at the end of the day... but Inox is my choice for saw tables and the like that may see a week or more without use.

Thanks Guys,

Im just hoping it stops alot of it. Ive gotten my quote for my gantry beam so everything will be running along shortly. Hopefully pick it up thursday.

Daniel

I had similar problems with my rails years ago, wd40 won't fix it.

I ended up using CRC Dry Lube which leaves a dry teflon film on the bright steel, had no more problems.