Boneheaded move means rust on Systimatic dado set...

[Knottscott]

A couple of weeks ago I scored a barely used Systimatic Superfine 8" 42T Stacked Dado set in excellent condition at a rather attractive price. It cleaned up looking nearly new. The packing foam looked a bit dirty so I decided to rinse the dust off that and let it dry for a day or so, then repacked the set in the original box and stowed it away.

I pulled it out this morning, and to my dismay found it fairly badly rusted! That foam packing material apparantly holds water better than I realized. What a dolt! I took some WD40 and scrubbed away with a wire brush and sandpaper to remove the brown color of the rust, but the dark gray remnants are still pretty visible and I"m still pretty steamed at myself. It still cuts beautifully, but I've seriously devalued my investment, and have sure taken the luster off of a darn nice dado set.

In fairness to myself, I just started shift work about the same time I put the set away wet, and perhaps I'm not firing on all cylinders, but I should have seen this coming in my sleep!

Any sure-fire remedies for removing rust from steel would be greatly appreciated.

[ironhat]

Electrolysis may do the trick but I can't say that I've tried it. Heck, your blades didn't devalue other than in your eyes only. You're probably going to use this set until it is expired, right? So, don't sweat it.
It's all good.

[Dale In Corona]

T9 Rust Free does a decent job of cleaning up rust… but nothing I know of short of re-finishing will make it look “new”.

Sorry man, better luck next time.


Dale

[Andrew Benedetto]

Try using Barkeepers cleanser[Lowes,Walmart] and a potato as a sacrifical rubbing block to keep from getting cut. I use that all the time,it is cheap and effective. If you want even more shine at the finish,Blue magic metal polish, to polish but clean w. mineral spirits to remove the possible wax interaction to wood finishes. Coat w. paste wax, Minwax or Johnsons to protect.

[Knottscott]

Thanks for the suggestions gang. It still cuts really well, but I'm still miffed at myself. I'll spend some time trying out some of the suggestions you've provided...the electrolysis sounds fun regardless of how well it works! (but I've seen articles that suggest that it works very well )

I'll follow up if I get any impressive results.

Thanks again!

[Andrew Benedetto]

The brazing on the carbide to blade might not do well w. the electrical Tx. I would consult the manuf. first since it is an expensive set and it could be dangerous if the tips come off due to weakening of the brazing.