effects of heating and cooling on your tools

[davidt]

I just put a propane heater in my little shop. It will only run when I work in it to take the chill off. Have you noticed any problems like condensation (rust) on your tools ? Those of you that do the same let me know please . Some people say put talc powder on them .

[razorback]

Increasing the heat in the shop will cause amount of moisture in the air to rise, warm air holds more moisture. So if you heat it it will absorb moisture and when it cools it will condense somewhere. Cool tool steel is always a good place for this to happen. So yes rusting is likely to occure more readilly with a shop that has temp fluctuations. A light spray with wd-40 or like product will help. I have known guys who have put gun blueing on the table saw table with good effect. Any moisture barrier will work, not sure about the talc though.

[PEARL DRUMS]

Allot depends on how fast it heats up the space. If it is gradual the condensation will probably evaporate before it rusts. I wouldnt "sweat" it too much.

[Osagetree]

I keep it cool in the shop in the winter. No insullation and a small kerosene heater. On a 20 degree day I might get to mid 50's. I don't see much condensation but over time my power tool motors notice the rusting windings & brushes. Probably a combonation of not using them much and the condensation. Like I said, over time I notice that same thing.

[davidt]

Thanks guys maybe if it rusts I can get new better stuff ha . I dont think my wife will go for the its rusty I need a new one . But I will try if I need to .

[TREESLEEPER]

I have found that covering my table saw and drill press table with old cotton bath towel stops it from rusting. I noticed this when my Dad's drill press had some rust on it but not under a towel that was laying on part of it. Still need to treat it though. I liked to try the gun bluing. I also read on a woodworking forum a man inthe Houston area uses towels also.

[JamesV]

My shop has an overhead door that stays open all year, no heat in the shop. I get surface rust on some of the tools I don't use a lot. Tip of the day: NEVER cut a salt block with a radial arm saw