Rusty Bars

[mikem]

As you guys probably noted in my thread about the 360 Pro, the bar appears to be covered with rust. I notice this on many saws, especially the ones that have quit running and been relegated to a corner of the shed. Do you guys have any special tricks(or chemicals)to clean these bars I tried a belt sander on one recently without much success.

[chainsawwhisperer]

I've used Navel Jelly rust remover with good results, then finished the bar with a belt sander, and sprayed it with clear coat.
CSW

[MCS]

Start by using a stiff wire wheel on a grinder - dry. If the wheel is open, wire wheel in the long direction of the bar so all the scratch marks are in one direction. This give a much neater appearance. Once the rust is off check for pitting. Pitting and discoloration will take some form of abrasive material to clean up. Use a rubber sanding block and some medium grit emery cloth and go at it all in one direction. If there is a rolled over bur along the edges, remove this first with a file. Send us a picture when your done

[mikem]

Aug 6, 2009 8:18:11 GMT -5 chainsawwhisperer said:

I've used Navel Jelly rust remover with good results, then finished the bar with a belt sander, and sprayed it with clear coat.
CSW

Navel Jelly......same as Ospho rust killer ?

[chainsawwhisperer]

Aug 6, 2009 8:56:05 GMT -5 mikem said:

[
Navel Jelly......same as Ospho rust killer ?

No that stuff converts rust to a paint-able coating(from what I read). Navel Jelly uses some kind of etching process (acid? base?)
It basically dissolves the rust, and then use water to rinse it off,
The nice thing is that it will remove the rust in the deep pits and pockets...great if your going to paint the bar, because you can fill the pits.
If the bar is going to be metal finish, you might be better off with MCS's method, or some combination of both.
Good luck
CSW

[Urbanchainsawer]

3M Scotchbrite pads with an abrasive cleaner like Comet works good, also. The coarser the better with lots of elbow grease.