Thread: New to me Real Scythe

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Been a LONG time since I posted on this site, but I think this time is worth it.
I love country/farm aucitons. Mommy dearest went to the local one today and bought me a Scythe. Nobody was interested in it so she got it for the big sum of $2.50 (+ sales tax) Pics are a little grainy

HannahRat/Surprises - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Now, anyone know of a good way to remove the rust but NOT sharpen the blade anyfurther? It was used as its intended farmer purpose at one point in time and still has a good edge behind the rust.

I guess I'll have to get started on sewing that reaper robe now. Lol.

What a tremendous find! That looks amazing!

Something that might work on taking rust off is a wire brush wheel (circular wire brush on a post - usually used in a drill - always wear eye protection when using one, as it knocks debris off at high speed).

If the rust is pretty old, perhaps use some Navel Jelly to break it up a bit, and then use the wire wheel (if you're going to do that, cover your face and hair as well as your eyes, as the stuff will fly).

Then again...that scythe has a wonderful, aged look to it - perhaps leaving it as is might be an option?

Rust actually does look really cool, I tend to rust things on purpose!

You could also try a rust treatment like Rust Converter or Metal Prep. Its a phosphoric acid product that is simply painted on. It turns the rust a shiny black and provides some protection against further corrosion.

This stuff can be found in the paint section of Home Depot or often in your local car supply place where the auto body repair stuff is sold.

Don

I say leave the rust, it has a very cool look to it!

Its a decently thick layer, I'd more like to take off half of it and keep further corrosion from happening. I'm extremely low income so good homegrown ways of preserving some "aging" is best.
Later when I've got good day light and not in shock about how much my Mom still remembers bout my obsession, I'm going to take a better look and some clearer pics. This did come from a farm/country/small town type auction so I aging is never an issue with tools.
Kinda wished I'd gone with today to see what else they might have had. Never know what you'll find for a few dollars.
BTW. The auction is family run and has a website if any locals to south west washington/northish oregon wanna know where it came from. Not sure when the next auction is but is always fun to see what pops up there. I do know the web addy as well. Not sure I should post it since its not my business.

Thanks for the tips. I have no true power tools, but someof the rust just comes off when i touch or tap a spot. maybe just a good rub down will be fine. We'll see. Still amazed and excited by it all. The handle isn't really worn down. still smooth and I can see some coating on it still. Maybe its just not that old and was only used once or twice before the owner decided it was just too much work by hand.

I have one too that was passed down in my family. If your handle is as weathered as mine the rusty blade will look best. Mine hasn't deteriorated by leaving the rust all these years but I do keep it in the garage. Alot of people have these nailed to their garages(outside) around here and they seem to hold up well too.

The rust won't continue if you leave it on. Only if you leave it out in the weather.

My vote is to leave it rusty.

Rusty=Creepy.

If you are really really intent on taking off half of the rust, and you have no power tools to speak of i would recommend one of two things, and both require "elbow grease"

#1. a fairly smooth stone (palm sized) or old worn and weathered brick. Simply rub the stone very gently over the blade (please wear leather work gloves) and do this until the desired look is achieved. When i go down to my local beach, i see all sorts of rounded, weathered stones lying there....even old bricks as well. Brick is great because it is softer and wears down instead of wearing down your scythe.

#2. Get "Brillo Pads" or better yet Stainless steel pads from a Hardware Store or Wal-Mart and scrub away (again with leather gloves) use soap and water to carry away the undesirable portions of rust again until the desired effect is reached.

PLEASE......BE CAREFUL DOING THIS OR ANY ATTEMPT TO CLEAN UP THIS BLADE, PLEASE!!!!!

Thanks Ya'll. I'm just going to let it be as is for now. Originally I was just going to dress up and go out with friends this year. Now I have something scene worthy to charge up my creative battieries.