Thread: WD-40, 3 in 1 oil, water ?

I've dry sanded up to 320 and want to start using a wetting agent at this point. I've read WD-40 as well as plain water for this. Would 3 in 1 oil work as well or is it too thick ? I'm doing this with the ivory scales on and wouldn't want to effect them adversely with chemicals. What say you?

I would advise against any type of oil on Ivory. It soaks the oil in with the metal/rust and causes discoloration from my experience. If a blade is to be worked on extensively, esp in the tang area, I would advise unpinning. It will eventually have to be repinned back into the scales! That, of course, is another story!

Water works fine. Add some Sodium Bicarbonate to it & it will prevent it rusting as you work.

My issue with unpinning is that this is my first restoration as well the pin has no washers and I don't want to damage the ivory "learning". I'm mostly working on the blade and only lightly sanding the shaft as the makers mark was barely visible to beguine with. I'll be doing most of the pivot work with MAAS and floss leaving most pitting there. Does water work okay ? I'm not going for Mirror just nice.

Edit just saw onimaru55's post as I posted Thanks for the tip.

You have chosen wisely!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

You have chosen wisely!

Well I do try.

I have used all the above to wet sandpaper in the past, lately I have been using generic window cleaner (windex) from the dollar store.

Charlie

Interesting. No rust issues I take it.

I just reread you original post I do not know how window cleaner affects ivory. I have not tried it. It works well on metal, no rust issues.

I will try to read and not skim post before I answer next time.

Charlie

I think most window cleaner may be ammonia based which, like the bicarb,is a base rather than an acid. I wouldn't know about its safety for using it on ivory tho.