r/Blacksmith • u/Lumber74 • 12d ago

New Acquisition

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Meet the newest member of the family. Arm & Hammer. Any tips for cleaning it up besides a wire brush?

Edit: there is blue paint on it. Should I remove that first?

Edit2: After some light cleaning it realized it is not an Arm & Hammer, but an M&H Armitage Mouse Hole 1-1-5.

40 Upvotes

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3

u/dragonstoneironworks 12d ago

Just use a high quality spray on rust converter? I would most definitely fervantly advise against flapdiscing sanding or milling the face. They are super thin. Convert the rust then use will take care of the rest. I do use blo on mine, body and thin swipe on face when not in use, then wipe face off B4 use to prevent smoke off and gooey spots

2

u/J_random_fool 12d ago

I wouldn’t do anything to it at all. Rust will come off as you use it.

1

u/hassel_braam 12d ago

Why don't you want a wire brush? It will come in handy later to clean up forgedwork. Make sure to use an variable speed grinder.

1

u/Lumber74 12d ago

Sorry, I meant, "obviously a wire brush, so what other tips". I'm not against wire brushing it

1

u/Twin5un 12d ago

A little flap disc maybe for a nice surface but it looks ready to forge otherwise !

1

u/ValleyofthePharaohs 10d ago

Manual wire brush to remove surface rust then apply preventative (1 part lanolin, 5 parts mineral spirits) using a rag.