Dremel question (for rust removal and polish)

J

jhorus

Joined
Feb 25, 2013
Messages
3
I tried searching the forums, but didn't really find an answer to what I'm looking for.

Basically I have a cavalry-type sword that I bought years ago. I forget the brand, model, etc. Heck I don't even know if it's good or not. But over time it got stored in a garage and now has some rust on it that I'd like to remove. I assume it's stainless steel, but unsure (it was in storage a while).

I have a dremel tool, and would like to use that (as opposed to buying new tools), and wondering what dremel tips/attachments you would recommend for rust removal (while preserving the rest of the metal), and then for polishing? Any good compound to use for polishing combined with the dremel?

Also, would you use low/medium/high speed for rust removal and/or polishing?

I will also try to remove some rust and polish its metal scabbard as well.

Eventually I might even hone the edge a little better, but it seems to have an OK edge on it - it wasn't a prop sword or anything. I'd kind of like to make it pretty, and then if (God forbid) we have a shit-hits-the-fan scenario, I'd take it off the wall for when I run out of bullets :)
 
Maybe one of the fine sanding drums for rust removal (medium speed). For polishing, use the polishing wheel with a little compound on it (high speed). Or you could soak a rag in WD-40 etc and use that if it's not too bad. Slower, but safer.
 
How rusted is it, and how pretty do you want it to be when you're done?

I usually use some gun oil and a scotchbrite pad to remove rust from my swords (I've got 3 higher end models), and it preserves the finish and takes off light rust with no problems.
 
I would suggest trying the grey scotch brite pads before using power tools as suggested in the last post.
 
I would try steel wool with some WD40. If you use Scotch Brite pads, make sure you get the grey ones that gregorio mentioned. The green ones have silicon carbide abrasive in them and can create unwanted scratches. I accidentally scratched up a car window with a green Scotch Brite pad:grumpy:.

Ric
 
The 1" cotton wheel attachment for the Dremel and some polishing compound like green, or Flitz/Simichrome can remove rust from a blade. It'll also polish the steel (as expected). The polished finish of the blade will likely be altered, so you might see 'bright' spots in the finish, in the areas polished by the Dremel. If trying this method, use the cotton wheel & compound on a test blade first, and decide for yourself if the change in the appearance of the finish is an issue for you. Use the lowest speed setting possible, light pressure and don't linger in one spot too long, as it heats up the steel. Close to the thinner edge, that may affect the temper of the steel.

Otherwise, fine steel wool (#0000) and WD-40 or mineral oil, or just polishing paste used by hand with a rag, are likely the first options I'd choose.

Scotch-Brite pads are abrasive (impregnated with aluminum oxide), so those will also produce fine scratches on the steel which, of course, would also alter the finish.


David
 
Last edited:
If your sword was stainless steel, it probably wouldn't be rusted.
I would think it best to find out exactly what you have before you do anything more than oil it.
Keep the Dremel away from the sword. Keep the Scotch Brite away from the sword. 0000 steel wool used dry will remove rust. Then soak the rusty areas in WD 40, dry and steel wool again. Repeat until rust is removed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top