tex

If you don't mind a drive there is a landscape/building supplies place just outside Lithgow on the road to Mudgee that sells coal. Next time i am out that way i will get the name and number of the place

Some of my mates have used molasses before with excellent results. This is the first time i have tried it so it is in the experimental stage. There is a lot of info on the web about using molasses but i have not read a straight answer as to why it works... lots of theories (such as as it ferments it becomes acetic acid/vinegar) but no answers. I think people like to use it as it is cheap and easily available.
Thanks for the diesel advice and i am confident i can find a penetrating oil with a bit of a search.

I picked this up from a mate of mine. It is rusted and seized up so the challenge is to get it back into working order. At the moment it is in a bucket of molasses and water (about 40/60 mix) to remove the rust.
I will post the results of the rust removal in about two weeks.

i am new to the site but keen to do a lot of reading. thanks for posting some excellent information. i am based in sydney but will be setting up all my gear at a mates place at mudgee. i have a lot to learn and this seems to be a good place for learning.