Post by Admin on Sept 9, 2008 9:11:48 GMT 10
From: brianaurum (Original Message) Sent: 24/06/2008 4:35 PM
Hi all,
Since It's time to treat my shovels, I'll share my methods with the masses.
Step 1 Soak shovel (this ensures no water can soak into the core) :
-clean handle down with a small amount of turps on a rag
-if there is burrs or splinters use some 120 grit sand paper and give it a touch up.
-mix in a large tinned fruit tin a 60/40 mixture of linseed oil(about 200mL total or thereabouts) and turps, note the consistency for re mixing.
-place the shovel upside down in the tin being careful not to spill the oil.
-find a spot where the shovel/tin won't be disturbed and leave it sit for a week or so.
-top up the tin and remix for the right consistency when necessary.
Step 2 Dress outer surface
-dress outer surface with a 50/50 mixture of linseed oil and turps. Use a cloth soaked with the mixture for this.
-allow the mixture to soak in for 15 minutes or so then repeat.
-Do this every year to ensure a long trouble free tool life.
Never apply oil to the blade as this will "float" gold away, instead clean and thoroughly dry the blade and keep the shovel in a dry place.
If any one has anything they would like to add or if they do things differently please tell.
Happy Golding
Brianaurum
From: ureug1 Sent: 24/06/2008 4:56 PM
Brian, Just a WARNING to all who use rags and linseed oil (a drying oil like those used in paint and which "dry", set or "go hard" on exposure to air).
Rags and linseed oil (or other highly unsaturated oils which polymerise) can CAUSE FIRES. Used in woodworkers and furniture work shops, such rags have caused many fires. After use they are often thrown away eg into a bin with papers wood scraps, shavings etc. Not a good idea.
Such oils (with a high surface area, like a rag) can oxidise at such a rate as to become hot and catch fire. Worst in summer but NEVER throw oily rags into waste bins. This does not apply to mineral oils, olive oil.
Eugene
PS: I posted this on the post whn shovels were bveing discussed. Thought it was worth mentioning again.
From: brianaurum Sent: 24/06/2008 5:10 PM
Thanks Eugene, I've never had a problem with that but will be wary in future. Maybe disposal in an anaerobic environment, ie sealed squashed snaplock bag might prevent this. Or use a brush and clean brush with conventional methods. What is your suggestion?
Brianaurum
From: ureug1 Sent: 24/06/2008 5:34 PM
As you say Rader, these rags are best left outside, opened out, so their oil can "dry" for a few days and then they can be burnt or thrown out. As a woodworker for 25 yrs I have heard and practiced such precautions. "Better safe than sorry"
Cheers and welcome Rader!
Eugene
From: brianaurum Sent: 24/06/2008 5:36 PM
I'll remember that for next time, ta
Hi all,
Since It's time to treat my shovels, I'll share my methods with the masses.
Step 1 Soak shovel (this ensures no water can soak into the core) :
-clean handle down with a small amount of turps on a rag
-if there is burrs or splinters use some 120 grit sand paper and give it a touch up.
-mix in a large tinned fruit tin a 60/40 mixture of linseed oil(about 200mL total or thereabouts) and turps, note the consistency for re mixing.
-place the shovel upside down in the tin being careful not to spill the oil.
-find a spot where the shovel/tin won't be disturbed and leave it sit for a week or so.
-top up the tin and remix for the right consistency when necessary.
Step 2 Dress outer surface
-dress outer surface with a 50/50 mixture of linseed oil and turps. Use a cloth soaked with the mixture for this.
-allow the mixture to soak in for 15 minutes or so then repeat.
-Do this every year to ensure a long trouble free tool life.
Never apply oil to the blade as this will "float" gold away, instead clean and thoroughly dry the blade and keep the shovel in a dry place.
If any one has anything they would like to add or if they do things differently please tell.
Happy Golding
Brianaurum
From: ureug1 Sent: 24/06/2008 4:56 PM
Brian, Just a WARNING to all who use rags and linseed oil (a drying oil like those used in paint and which "dry", set or "go hard" on exposure to air).
Rags and linseed oil (or other highly unsaturated oils which polymerise) can CAUSE FIRES. Used in woodworkers and furniture work shops, such rags have caused many fires. After use they are often thrown away eg into a bin with papers wood scraps, shavings etc. Not a good idea.
Such oils (with a high surface area, like a rag) can oxidise at such a rate as to become hot and catch fire. Worst in summer but NEVER throw oily rags into waste bins. This does not apply to mineral oils, olive oil.
Eugene
PS: I posted this on the post whn shovels were bveing discussed. Thought it was worth mentioning again.
From: brianaurum Sent: 24/06/2008 5:10 PM
Thanks Eugene, I've never had a problem with that but will be wary in future. Maybe disposal in an anaerobic environment, ie sealed squashed snaplock bag might prevent this. Or use a brush and clean brush with conventional methods. What is your suggestion?
Brianaurum
From: ureug1 Sent: 24/06/2008 5:34 PM
As you say Rader, these rags are best left outside, opened out, so their oil can "dry" for a few days and then they can be burnt or thrown out. As a woodworker for 25 yrs I have heard and practiced such precautions. "Better safe than sorry"
Cheers and welcome Rader!
Eugene
From: brianaurum Sent: 24/06/2008 5:36 PM
I'll remember that for next time, ta