Do a Google search for SandFlex Cleaning Blocks...they work well and can be
purchased for about 5-7 dollars.
John

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And while you're out shopping, stop in at a local drug store and buy a
small SPRAY bottle of something. Try to find the travel bag size that
only hold a few ounces. When you get back home and your tools are clean
again, pour out all the stuff in the bottle (if you want to keep it, put
it in another bottle). Rinse the bottle out and fill with your favorite
sterilization material (alcohol, etc.) and a few drops of light oil, 3
in 1 or whatever. Put it in your tool box.

When you work on your trees, spray the tool you used and use your hone
(you do have one don't you?) before you put it away. The spray cleans,
sterilizes and oils the tool so your rust problem doesn't re-appear.
Try to find someone (preferably a bonsai bud) to show you how to
properly sharpen and hone your tools. The are just enough different
from a knife that a slightly different technique is needed. Marty's
description is accurate, but there is nothing like watching someone
actually do it.

Have fun - jay


Jay Beckenbach - Melrose, FL - Zone 8b/9a -

-----Original Message-----
From: Marty Haber ]
Sent: Monday, August 29, 2005 7:18 PM
Subject: Rusty tools

See if you can pick up diamond-dust files. They come in 3 degrees:
fine,
medium, coarse. When you file branch cutters and other rounded
surfaces,
file only on the OUTSIDE of the curve. Don't overdo it, because
removing
too much steel will leave a gap between the blades.
Naval jelly does remove rust, but it also dulls the blade. It's a no-no
for
bonsai tools.
After getting the tool as sharp as possible, wash all the dirt off with
warm
water & soap, dry it well, then apply a coat of mineral oil or baby oil.
Good luck.
Marty H.
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Dhom"
To:
Sent: Monday, August 29, 2005 6:09 PM
Subject: [IBC] Rusty tools


Besides "don't do that"... any advice on cleaning up bonsai tools that
are
rusty. I bought a set of joshua roth tools when i got into bonsai
years
ago
and I let them get wet/rusty last fall. The last thing I tried was
naval
jelly which got much of the rust but has left them with a milky film.
Suggestions for getting remaining rust and residue off my tools?
--
Best,
John Dhom

Nashville area
Zone 6, Sunset 33


************************************************** **********************
********
++++Sponsored, in part, by Kevin Bailey++++

************************************************** **********************
********
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/
--
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail
+++++


************************************************** **********************
********
++++Sponsored, in part, by Kevin Bailey++++
************************************************** **********************
********
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/
--
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail
+++++

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Kevin Bailey++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++