I was just experimenting with an inexpensive set of needle files. Different profiles for different situations, seems a decent option. It’s hand work but fractures the rust nicely and they seem to survive the abuse.
Wish I'd seen this a few days ago! Just been cleaning up some rust on a car which is not too bad but the pitting makes it impossible to get a good finish (without excess filler which I was trying to avoid). Makes sense that you could use something a bit tougher than sandpaper like a drill bit. I don't like going in with a grinder unless I really have to as it's so aggressive. I much prefer keeping original steel if I can. My only worry is how you determine if a panel has worn too thin not to cut it out and weld in a new piece?
Tip: In the USA we have a store called Harbor Freight (cheap tools). They have a Paasche "Air Eraser" clone for 1/5 the price at $25USD (Central Pneumatic®- Item#69277), and is something worth considering for essentially sand blasting micro areas. Works great in the right circumstance. Seems to be the same thing as the "Blackridge Mini Air Sand Blaster Kit 298658" at SuperCheapAuto com au.
A engraver will work well for this. Alot more controllable and easier... Another thing that will also work is that black oxide wheel that looks like a sponge.....
Thank youuuuu so so much. I've been struggling all day with that dang rust that just polishes, this absolutely did the trick!!
I was just experimenting with an inexpensive set of needle files. Different profiles for different situations, seems a decent option. It’s hand work but fractures the rust nicely and they seem to survive the abuse.
OUTSTANDING technique friend ! Thank You for sharing this information with the world.
Thanks for sharing
Wish I'd seen this a few days ago! Just been cleaning up some rust on a car which is not too bad but the pitting makes it impossible to get a good finish (without excess filler which I was trying to avoid). Makes sense that you could use something a bit tougher than sandpaper like a drill bit. I don't like going in with a grinder unless I really have to as it's so aggressive. I much prefer keeping original steel if I can. My only worry is how you determine if a panel has worn too thin not to cut it out and weld in a new piece?
Just what I needed. Been struggling with two small patches of pitted rust on my motorcycle tank. Would try this method.
Interesting technique! I’m restoring a bmw and I’ve had a hard time getting rid of the rust in the pitting. Will try this
Great idea!
Good idea mate, I’ve got a load on roof if Datsun 260z looking for ideas to get pits out
Nice tip thanks
I recon you're onto something there mate.
Tip: In the USA we have a store called Harbor Freight (cheap tools). They have a Paasche "Air Eraser" clone for 1/5 the price at $25USD (Central Pneumatic®- Item#69277), and is something worth considering for essentially sand blasting micro areas. Works great in the right circumstance. Seems to be the same thing as the "Blackridge Mini Air Sand Blaster Kit
298658" at SuperCheapAuto com au.
That would be interesting to try. You could go bigger for the windshield frame if you don't mind the mess. Thanks.
A engraver will work well for this.
Alot more controllable and easier...
Another thing that will also work is that black oxide wheel that looks like a sponge.....
that's a great tip for the engraver thanks. I have used the sponge wheels, they never seem to last long for me.