Cleaning light rust off of tools with Rotex

[Greg_R]

I have acquired a used tool that has some rust on its cast iron surface.  I was thinking about using my RO150 to remove the rust with sandpaper.  I have brilliant grits from 80-400 and platin grits from 500 to 2000.  Would starting at 320 and working my way up through 2000 (in rotex mode) work well?  Has anyone tried this?  Is lubricant suggested or required?  Thanks!

 

[Ned]

I wrote about cleaning superficial rust with the Rotex on the old FOG:

Just had occasion to clean some superficial rust off a Veritas table
top--a big steel plate. I didn't want to affect the trueness of the
plate, and did want a presentable, consistent finish. Ran through all
three grades of Vlies with the RO150 and WD40. It produced a
beautiful finish very quickly. The box cost of Vlies is low--I bought
it out of curiosity more than anything else. I now recommend having
some on hand.

I don't recall which Rotex modes I used.  Probably both.

Ned

 

[Greg_R]

Hmmm... good info Ned.  The Vlies paper makes sense.  Is there any concern with WD40 (or other lubricant) getting into the sander?  I obviously would not be using the vacuum but still...

 

[Ned]

The Vlies paper makes sense.

Greg--

Just to be clear here--Vlies is the Scotch-Brite(tm) stuff.

As for oil on the Rotex.  Never thought to worry about it.  You're right--no vac used.  Just sprayed a bit on the surface and went at it.

Ned