how to clean antique buck saw

[stephen wood]

I have an antique buck saw that I'd like to hang on a wall as a 'piece of americana'. I'd like to clean it up but don't want to do anything aggressive that would deter from its antique look. The blade and tension rod have some rust; the wood has a normal wear/use discoloration. Any ideas on how best to clean it up?

[ray hampton]

I would not clean it because cleaning it will reduce it's value

[Myk Rian]

If you must clean it, try electrolysis, or Spooging as it's known at OWWM.

[Gary Herrmann]

Mineral spirits and 400 grit sandpaper will remove surface rust, but you won't have patina.

[scott vroom]

I recently cleaned up a rusty buck saw with Naval Jelly...it cuts the rust without having to use an abrasive. The saw belonged to my great grandather and was from the late 1800's. I couldn't care less about the dollar value, no plans to sell it.

[stephen wood]

I would not clean it because cleaning it will reduce it's value


Duh! Thanks. Guess I'll just wipe the dust off with a cloth.