|
Post by jc3602 on Jan 1, 2018 3:26:57 GMT
Hi All: noticed another poster/posters mentioning using sodium bicarbonate in their polishing water for rust prevention. I queried my teacher about this, since he recommended sodium carbonate and that also is what is mentioned in Yoshindo's book on Japanese sword polishing. My teacher, Michael Bell, has been making Japanese swords for about 40 years, and originally apprenticed as a polisher. He said he had tried sodium bicarbonate and felt that it did not appear to do much about inhibiting rust, and did not supersaturate the water or create a "soapy" texture the way the sodium carbonate did. Do not know if this info is helpful to anyone, but hope it might be; feedback always welcome!
john
|
|
|
Post by Verity on Jan 1, 2018 3:38:49 GMT
If you are referring to good ol’ baking soda, yes I use it in my water. I haven’t ever had a problem with blades rusting during polish.
I always clean them and oil between polishing sessions too though...
|
|
pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
|
Post by pgandy on Jan 1, 2018 13:47:52 GMT
The only reason I can think of to use baking soda (aka bicarbonate of soda) would be if there is acid or a base present both of which could cause rusting. Baking soda will act as a buffer bringing the pH to 7, or neutral. As long as polishing is being done there is little chance of rust. At the end of the polishing session dry the blade then oil and you should have no problem. On the other hand I see no harm in using baking soda, I just question the necessity.
|
|
|
Post by jc3602 on Jan 1, 2018 18:01:03 GMT
Thanks for the feedback. Since Michael is working with newly forged blades, doing the base filing and establishing lines, etc., his metal is probably much more rust prone. Just relaying his views on the difference between bicarbonate (baking soda) and carbonate (washing soda). The carbonate is also cheaper, though both forms cost practically nothing.
Happy Holidays, john
|
|