winter is coming

[matt]

This probably more directed at those of you that work in unheated spaces. How do you manage your hand tools in winter? I've had a couple of ideas, but each seems a bit flawed.
Idea one was to put some paste wax on them and leave them outside. This should keep the rust off, but it'll be a little cold holding a block plane that is -15C should I want to work some January day.

Idea two was keep my stuff in a couple of bins and store them inside. I could then just bring stuff in and out as I need it. Problem here is that I'm sure the drastic temp changes will encourage rust.

I supose the best action is to do both. What do you guys do?

[Frank D.]

Hi Matt,
I wouldn't opt for the bin solution because of the condensation that will happen when you bring your tools in. Exactly what kind of shop do you have? I have an unheated veranda shop, and the temp at night usually equals the outside temp. During the day my shop gets a little warmer than outside because I have a lot of windows that let in the morning sun and daylight. Because of the windows I have no rust problems whatsoever (always a little warmer than outside, cutting relative humidity). Actually sub-freezing temps prevent rust (as long as you don,t bring the tools inside, to warmer temps). When I turn the heating on (construction heater) the temp rises but it's the same air, so relative humidity drops in proportion, so, once again, I get no rust at all.
So tell us a little more abour your shop...

[matt]

I work in the garage, its unheated and I don't store any cars in it. Only two walls of the garage are "warm", so generally the temperature might be a degree or two warmer than the outside. When I do work out there (usually at night) I run a radiant heater and maybe a small space heater or two to take the edge off. I've got no problem leaving my tools outside, like you said it'll be sub zero so rust shouldn't be a problem (spring and fall are the worry times, I just noticed a spec on my new LA block). The only issue I see with leaving them out there is that they'll be cold as heck to use. Nothing quite like holding a -20C block plane or chisel in your hand...

I had thought about making a smaller bench for the basement for the winter. just something to hack around with. When the budget allows I'm plannning on insulating the final wall and ceiling, but until then...

[Bill Simpson]

Wax them or coat them with some of that miracle goo from LeeV, Not WD as it don't doo well in changing temps, but leave then in the shed as they can weather the cold better than you. As was previously stated, bringing them in after a romp in the chilly shop will bring on condensation and sniffles followed by a rusty nose. Just let the cold dry its own tears and they will do fine. It is tough love (sorta) You have to be brave, keep you head high and close the door, they will be OK. You can come play again in the spring.....

[Jim in Burlington]

Personally I'd make a nice chest and keep my tools right in the shop. I often spray my tools with the Dricote cutting lubricant for exposed metal parts and seems to work. I've had plenty of tools sitting in a truck in and out of warm houses with no problems. I worry more these days about standing on cold floors it seems to crawl up my legs.

[matt]

Personally I'd make a nice chest and keep my tools right in the shop. I often spray my tools with the Dricote cutting lubricant for exposed metal parts and seems to work. I've had plenty of tools sitting in a truck in and out of warm houses with no problems. I worry more these days about standing on cold floors it seems to crawl up my legs.

hehe... I'm not to worried about those cold floors. I grew up on the farm so I'm used to spending hours on end out in cold. I have to admit though, I tough it out less and less each passing year...

thanks for all advice everyone!

[Frank D.]

I tough it out less than I used to too...that's why I got a construction heater a few years ago. Now I wonder how I ever went without it. The tools are a little cold at the beginning of a session, but you get used to it, and they warm up pretty quickly. As to rust, there's not much to add to what's been said, just choose a product and see how it works (there's also camelia oil for planes and blades, Top Coat...).
Just don't forget to bring in the glue, water-based finish, and those water stones that are soaking in a tub...