Camphor to prevent rust

S

Steve Beckwith

Joined
May 29, 2004
Messages
396
I just saw a clip online about using camphor blocks to prevent rust on tools. I live in a beach town in Florida and salt air is a real thing. It is a constant battle to keep rust off my high carbon blades. Has anyone had any experience with this?
 
Yes ... and No.

Camphor vapors will deposit a thin film camphor oil on objects, and prevent rust. However, it needs to be in an enclosed environment, like a tool chest or cabinet. In an open shop it would do nothing but make the shop smell like mothballs. A dehumidifier is the best way to slow rust in a shop. In my clean shop I have one that runs 24/7.
 
VCI blocks will help, but again, they need to be in an enclosed space. No Vicks Vaporub smell, however. ;)
 
My thought was to put everything in one of those plastic storage containers. Currently I oil each blade and wrap it in newspaper. The blades are not stored in their sheaths but the sheaths are also wrapped and stored with it's specific blade. So if I were to store the blades with camphor I would like to put my individually wrapped blade/sheath in the container. I assume that the leather would absorb the odor. Once the leather is removed from the container how long would it take for it to air out. BTW, I tried VCI paper in the past with mixed results. Camphor blocks are not too pricey, I am going to buy some and try storing some leather in with it.I'll report back...
 
Skip the newspaper that can draw and hold moisture and get ya some rust inhibiting paper. You can buy it at Walmart pretty cheap.
 
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