Chris Waldon Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 My anvil was out during some mist and it rusted all across the work surface. It's quite thin, but I just wanted to ask what the best way to get rid of it is, I don't want to damage my anvil or anything. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Browne Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 Get some hot metal and a hammer and use the anvil. It will be shiney in minutes. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan W Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 I keep a coffee can full of oily sand in my shop-high humidity in Florida-and for surface rust I just put on a pair of heavy leather gloves and rub the anvil or whatever tools I have with a handful of the oily sand then just wipe it off. Around here I have to do that about once a week. I also keep a slightly oiled rag drapped over my anvil and bench vise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pault17 Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 I have been told many times that hammer work will remove the rust. A little elbow grease with scotch brite pads work too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 Scale is an abrasive not only will it remove rust, with years of working it will polish a pitted face out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bentiron1946 Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 Oh my, what a worry it is working the rust off the face of an anvil! You just don't know how good you got it. Guess you'll just have to light the forge this weekend and polish it all off. I so envy you that task. Some guys get all the dirty jobs but hey, somebody's got to do it, right, so I think your elected by unanimous vote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Einhorn Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 Your local hardware store is very likely to carry a selection of 3M pads in the paint section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 10 hours of hammering hot metal will make make you both feel better (grin) Put some ATF (automatic transmission fluid) in a spray bottle and lightly spray the anvil face at the end of the day. It protects and does not interfere with forging the following day or week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragons lair Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 Quickist way is a purple scotch brite pad with a helthy squirt of your favorite WD PB or Kroil. Less than a minute to clean a 175 lb trenton. And every bit of the face is clean. Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Browne Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 But why is everyone worried about a bit of surface rust??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Waldon Posted January 7, 2010 Author Share Posted January 7, 2010 I'd just heard that it was possible to damage your anvil while removing rust, so I wanted to make sure before I did anything. Thanks for all the info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orgtwister Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 my pops old cenral forge anvil i have has been out side the last 30 years and has no pitting just fine surface rust and as soon as i put some hot iron on it and hammer the rust is gone maybe it made out some good steel i don't really know what it is but it holds up really well over the years i would just leave it alone and use it when you need it if you do cover it make sure it can breath as not keep condansation in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avadon Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 WD-40 works fairly well but only lasts until a heavy rain. What I often use on my outside anvil is a thick lubricant/grease. Harbor freight makes a synthetic grease that's about 4.49 a tube. Kinda pricy but it's excellent grease. It comes in a grey tube. If you heavily coat your anvil when not in use it shouldn't rust. I also bag my anvil with a large plastic trash garbage bag. That and the lube almost stop all rust. Then when you start forging again just wipe down the top surface. Cheers! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 If your anvil is gathering rust, you just plain are not forging enough. :rolleyes: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Lake Forge Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 in a blacksmith's world there is no such thing as a rusty anvil, as long as you are using the anvil properly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marksnagel Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 Use it or lose it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGGUNDOCTOR Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 Don't worry about surface rust, damage comes from removing heavy rust that is in layers from years of laying in the mud. All of my anvils are outside, and they just develop a patina when not in use. When they get used the surface is cleaned. Don't worry about it, just use it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
royce unruh Posted July 20, 2012 Share Posted July 20, 2012 what about surface rust on the sides i want to paint the sides so the lettering is more visible and i am not worried about the face cause i know that will just work off Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted July 20, 2012 Share Posted July 20, 2012 Wirebrush, light sandblasting, navel jelly, soaking overnight immersed in vinegar, dragging around a sandy dry riverbed chained to your pickup, electrolytic derusting.... pretty much most techniques will be ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric sprado Posted July 20, 2012 Share Posted July 20, 2012 Painting an anvil is gilding the lily.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
royce unruh Posted July 20, 2012 Share Posted July 20, 2012 well i dont want it to rust away more than it has its already hard to read Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
royce unruh Posted July 20, 2012 Share Posted July 20, 2012 will try wire brush though thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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