Camphor Blocks and Rust-Prevention

[Gary Curtis]

My dad was a machinist and I can vividly recall the smell of camphor coming out of his tool chest. He said it prevented rust.

Is there any validity to that method? Dad had a number of 'old wives tales' in his head. I just moved to a very rainy area and every steel item in my shop is turning brown. It's absolutely crazy. I hit my new cabinet saw top with Boeshield, but items like clamps are a bit awkward.

Gary Curtis

[Robert Tarr]

My father was a tool and die maker and a mechanic all his life. I learned this from him and it works very well. I go to an old pharmacy and get the blocks for about $1 each. I use a razor and cut an "X" in the plastic wrapper (keeps it from touching tools (not sure if that will be an issue) and the smell being too strong. I have a toolbox that I didn't put one in a drawer and it was the only drawer to have rust on any tool.

For a buck a block (lasts about 2 years per...) I will continue to use them. They seem to work.

Robert

[jeremy levine]

http://www.thewoodworking.com/