[ATM] More on shop practices

[John Lynch <john_lynch2005@yahoo.com>]

To the ATM listserv:

I've been using 55-gallon oil drums for several years,
based on the original books by Thompson and Howard,
for the work platform and also stable platforms for
the Foucault apparatus and mirror rack (all partially
filled with water).  I've found some nice ones, and
since they're sort of a pain to locate and procure
(around here, anyway), I'm attempting to stop any
oxidation on the inside.  When not in use, I keep them
drained and empty to dry out in my basement shop.  I
had one oil drum that eventually corroded from the
inside out because I had it filled 2/3rds full of
water for months.

Anyway, I've cleaned out the ones I have left pretty
well and used 1 qt. of Rustolem (for rusted metal)
poured into the oil drum, using the stoppers to
contain the paint, and rolled them around in the yard
to evenly distribute the coating.  Works great!  I
does take some time to dry, but I attached a piece of
cardboard to the largest opening and directed a floor
fan at the cardboard to get air circulating in the oil
drum to aid in the drying process.  Now, even filled
with water to create a stable platform, no corrosion
and theoretically they sould last indefinitely.  By
the way, I also use large, removeable, circular pieces
of five-quarter board attached to the top for the work
surface.  I just thought this process might be useful
to some of you.

Take care.

John Lynch

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