Rusty Axe!

[Greg]

Was wondering what is the best way to get rid of rust off an axe head?
My Father-in Law has given me a lovely little hatchet but its been in his garage for god only knows how long and is a bit rusty.
So how would I go about cleaning it up?
Any help would be great.

 

[John Fenna]

Try the wire brush on your Aldi dremel!

 

[mr dazzler]

The coolest method is electrolysis. No noise or dust, doesnt ruoin the pattina (if that's your thing) only removes oxides/grease/grime/paint/soot/ etc, wont eat into good fresh metal. Looks good once its done. PLUS its not hard elbow grease work, you leave it to cook in a tank for a day or so and a quick rinse and rub down with scothcbite pad's and your done. I've done it lots of times to restore very old disston saw's, it's such a clever method it wil restore the acid etch maker's mark without destroying it, even if it had become invisible with rust and grime etc

 

[Mirius]

You might also consider tea. Might sound odd, but it does a good job as a rust converter, especially after you've removed any loose surface rust.

 

[Mirius]

The coolest method is electrolysis.

Tutorial time?

 

[Greg]

Try the wire brush on your Aldi dremel!

Umm I never thought about that!:11doh:
I suppose I could use the polishing paste to buff it up aswell!

 

[Cairodel]

Wire wool and some oil.....??