jyreene
Member
I have a question about long term storage of lathe tools and lathes. What's the best way to prep them? The storage should be temperature controlled but I won't know how well. Any tips and tricks would be greatly appreciated.
I would blow out all the dust and shavings as they can contain moisture. Then, take the tension off the belt.
Next would be to take out any centers from the morse tapers. Then, all cast iron surfaces need to be treated to prevent rust. A wipe down with light oil would be my first go to. Others may have other products they prefer.
If there is any wild chance that water or moisture can drip on it, I would cover it loosely. You don't want to trap moisture in your cover.
Hope that helps.
One question that needs to be answered is how long to you plan to store your items. I apply my rust inhibitors to all machined/non-painted surfaces.
I have had dealings with long term storage of large compressor and engine components preparing items for storage on offshore oil/gas platforms over the years plus living in the Houston, TX (semi-tropical) climate.
What I have found works for me is if I am going to only store for 3-4 months between uses, I use Boeshield and it is easily cleaned off and works well. It is available from some of the woodworking supply companies.
For longer storage about a year or so I would recommend CRC (the brand name) 3-36. I was the best rated anti-rust material in one of the wood working magazines last year.
And last and longest lasting, 2-5 years, is CRC SP-400. Both of these leave a heavy wax coating that will have to be removed using mineral spirits or equal. These CRC items can sometimes be found in a local auto parts store or on line suppliers like Amazon, Grainger or McMaster Carr.
Another product popular for getting corrosion protection in the wet (South East Alaska Rain Forest) is Corrosion X. Tends to crawl into places you might not otherwise get.
Do not use WD-40. Has no corrosion protection -- mostly mineral spirits.
The CRC products are popular also -- think boats being put into storage for 8 months of the year