Tap Magic Cause Rust?

[darkzero]

Does Tap Magic for aluminum cause rust? Today I noticed a light surface rust on my new Bison chuck key & I was not happy to see it. Luckliy it came right off with some steel wool. This also happened about a month ago. I notice one of my QC holders had some light surface rust on the black oxide coating? It came right off with steel wool too. I haven't noticed anything else rust.

The only fluids that are used near my lathe are WD40, Tap Magic, & Vactra oil. I don't think WD40 or the way oil could cause rust but i'm not so sure about the Tap magic but I wouldn't think so.

It did rain a bit on Saturday & I did have the garage open shortly when I was working. Could the damp air have caused this?

 

[65535]

I've never heard of that, I checked the MSDS and product literature. Nothing made it seem like there were any aqueous components, or anything that would cause the iron to oxidize.

I would call them, they have a number on their site. Considering that it's designed for use with steel taps and tooling that can rust it would have inhibitors in it.

For machinery I recommend a wax based protectant for all exposed steel/iron surfaces.

 

[Anglepoise]

Probably just the natural moisture in your hands.

 

[precisionworks]

Could the damp air have caused this?

Probably so, especially if you are really neat & wipe things down before putting them away. Even a hot blued finish will rust with the slightest moisture. Caustic black oxide coating (tool black) is better, because it's thicker, but oil or grease (or wax) provides more protection. Try RIG gun grease if you want something bullet proof - it works for years if left on a surface.

 

[wquiles]

Even a hot blued finish will rust with the slightest moisture.

+1

I noted this on the steel parts that I did for my RT that were treated with the cold bluing solution from Brownells. I have to keep them lightly oiled or they will develop a little surface rust fairly quickly ;)

 

[Anglepoise]

In my location, just a stone's throw from the sea, I keep a fabric cover over the lathe at all times, with 2 100watt bulbs in a fixture resting in the chip tray. Keeps the rust away.

 

[PhotonFanatic]

. . Try RIG gun grease if you want something bullet proof - it works for years if left on a surface.

Got a source for that stuff, by any chance? I had heard that it was no longer available.

 

[matrixshaman]

From the MSDS for Tap Magic: " After use of this product, clean and lubricate metal surfaces to avoid staining and/or corrosion." Sounds like it could be your culprit and it was also stated that overuse or overheating of Tap Magic can break it down into other compounds.

 

[precisionworks]

I had heard that it was no longer available.

Sadly, you are correct ... every distributor shows out of stock or discontinued. My bad, as a jar lasts 10+ years in my shop.

Another product that gives excellent results is Brownells RP#2: http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=1124/Product/RUST_PREVENTIVE_No._2tm

Something even better (& more costly) is Nox-Rust 3100, about $20 per aerosol can in quantities of 6:

http://www.corrosionvci.com/pdf/nox-rust3100.pdf

http://www.corrosionvci.com/corrosion/proddetail.php?prod=Mil-PRF-16173