Lathe ways heavy reconditioning

[RainbowsParticipant @rainbows]

[RainbowsParticipant @rainbows]

Regarding a previously mentioned ML10 lathe bought for restoration.

After soaking with WD40, scouring with wire wool and occasionally scotchbrite pads on problem areas a lot of rusty lathe has become shiny lathe. While the half of the lathe towards the headstock shined up nicely the tailstock half remains a dark colour of leftover rust.

Does anyone have an idea better than assault with wet and dry on how to remove heavily built on rust? Previous threads usually warn against any abrasives on the ways but at this point I think I have exhausted the limits of that.

[larry phelan 1Participant @larryphelan1]

As long as it causes no problem,leave it alone. You will get used to it,might even get to like it. When it gets covered in swarf,you wont even see it ! Is it just rust coloured,or surface rust ?

I would be inclined to leave the ways alone [treat them like Mother,s-in-law ],the less you mess with them,the better.

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