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Probably have too much time on my hands but Ive just been given a large amount of vintage garden tools.
Some of them must be at least 50 years old.
Wooden handles and well used.
Ive ssen these old tools renovated and they look fantastic, but what do they use to get them looking tip top..ie wax? and getting rid of the rust.
You could build a ship like Theseus or similar
If they're chromed, then used Oxalic acid (Wood bleach) to removed the rust - just google it, used a lot restoring old BMX parts.
For the wood, I'd sand it to get a smooth finish then use oil to help restore the wood a bit.
Old tools are better made than modern stuff. An old spade has loads of history. A wire brush head on a drill will clean up the metalwork. A stiff brush and a strong bucket of soapy water then sandpaper and wax will do the wood. So long as it's not rotten.
I've no advise to give unfortunately, but wanted to post that I reckon that is a very worthwhile thing to do (speaking as a bit of an old tool myself 🙂 ). I wish I had some of my grandad's tools. Nothing like the patina of generations.....
Linseed oil on the wood?
Photos..before and after or it didn't happen
Twisted knot wire brush in an angle grinder is best for rust. It gets in to pitted steel better than abrasives without removing good metal.
[img] https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQDu-1s1gMOftvqU_jP49BldWu1Ko7lAFxEPg_lDPWNDG717kiY [/img]
I know the advice for power tools is always to wear goggles and gloves, but these things really are deadly without.
Individual bristles break off and can stick in your hands and face if you are too close.
They're the best tool for the job though.
I've a Hoe which belonged to my Uncles Father. He used it almost every day of his adult life. The wooden handle is worn away were his hands gripped it. The end is rusty but still serviceable.
I never thought about restoring it, however, thanks to your thread, I think I might give it some TLC. 😀
Linseed oil (boiled) is what I use on my garden tools
Yeah, those wire brush attachments for angle grinders are vicious WEAR glasses and gloves and don't wear a thin tee shirt as the wire bristles go right though and hurt !