Cleaning a Veritas block plane?

[rsser]

I managed to bleed all over mine and by the time I got back to it the iron was stained.

Nicely detailed fingerprints - at least I can prove it's mine if it sprouts legs :wink:

Anyone got any tips about how it might be cleaned up?

TIA

[Mr Brush]

For any surface rust/stains on handtools and tablesaw, etc. I use a Rust Remover product with 000 or 0000 steel wool (see pic attached)

This stuff is phosphoric acid....very effective. Note that it is a rust DISSOLVER, not a rust CONVERTER. I get mine at the local AutoPro shop, but most auto parts places should keep it.

Works great on any steel or cast iron, but keep it away from aluminium....:oo:

[rsser]

Great. Thanks.

[rsser]

OK. Done.

It removed most of the staining.

Clearly there's more to blood than just water.

Left a mottled finish but an automotive cutting polish took care of that.

Thanks again.

Now what else can you do with phosphoric acid?

[Mr Brush]

ahhhhh....'tis wonderful stuff !

I use it on all my handplanes, chisels, etc. to remove light surface rust. It also brightens brass parts (e.g. on Veritas planes).

Once every 6 months or so I go over the entire top of my tablesaw with the stuff, using a fine scotchbrite pad in place of the steel wool. The chemical rust removal action means you don't have to scrub so hard !

I've heard the urban legend that Coca Cola can be used to remove rust due to the (tiny amount of) phosphoric acid in it, but this stuff is a lot stronger at 30% phosphoric. :2tsup:

[rsser]

Neat.

Just to add, I found your brand, K&H, in the local Repco shop.

Oh, and your distinction Mr Brush between dissolver and converter is important!

[artme]

Can be touchy stupph. Need to wear eye protection and some people find it very hard on the skin.

When finished with cloths and son they need to be disposed of, not kept.

[Wongdai]

I use Ranex, which is the same stuff, but available from Bunnings.

It really hurts if you get it in cuts. :(

[rsser]

Pays to wear protection ;-}