Hi everyone! I just got my first good-quality handplane for my birthday, and I want to make sure it stays rust-free for a long time. I heard about using camphor blocks to protect metal tools by creating a thin oil film when they are stored together. Is that a good method? I'm also curious about VCI items since one came with the handplane, but I've heard their effectiveness doesn't last long. I've already applied beeswax as a preventive measure, but do you think that's enough if I also clean off dust after each use? Just a heads-up, my workshop is in a cold, humid cellar, so I'm really keen on taking precautions to ensure this handplane lasts, especially since it was a special gift from someone dear to me. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
It wasn’t cheap, but I invested in a crawl space dehumidifier for my basement. It's manageable for one tool, but if you have a collection, upkeep can be a hassle.
As someone who works in a basement shop, I've had success using Zerust tabs along with a light coating of machine oil. It really helps to keep rust at bay!
I was actually checking out those Zerust products. Are they mainly for businesses, or can you buy just a few for personal use?