I have a lot of old tools that have some surface rust and crud on them, do I clean and shine them or just leave them the way they are. They are usable the way they are. I know that some say you take away the value by polishing antiques.
Mel
Minimally invasive cleaning to get rid of crud and rust. There are numerous methods espoused by collectors.
Clean but not shine.
I usually clean my tools using a soft brass brush.
It removes all the rust and crud but leaves the natural patina.
On my hand tools I prefer to leave them as is or just a lite cleaning. Nothing to major.
As for a tablesaw I am totally re doing that but to original condition.
Since 1/2 the guys won't even touch a tool if its been cleaned and all...
and 1/2 the guys don't even want to see a tool that isn't as clean and polished as it can possibly be...
The good news is, you get to do exactly as you please!
There will be guys who want it if you decide to let it go, regardless.
yours Scott
Just remember, they are your tools. Do what makes you feel good about them. I personally don't like the high shine polish/buffing that the ebay sellers sometimes do. I do like to clean them enough to make them usable & some protectant to prevent further rusting or decay. An old collector once told me to only use coatings that are reversable. Waxes or boiled linseed oil can be removed with mineral spirits. Epoxies, blueing, etc are more permanent. Made sense to me. I'll let the next owner turn them into "trailer queens" if they want that look. Once that transformation takes place the tool will not be used for its intended purpose again. Sad ending for tools in my opinion, but I enjoy using tools as much as I enjoy possessing them.