Clean-up of some colonial hoes

[Bill D. (VA)]

Recently I recovered 3 early hoes at a colonial site I've been working, and restoration work on 2 has been completed while a 3rd is still in the electrolysis tank. The 18th century broad hoe cleaned up very nicely although I had to enlist the assistance of a dremel tool and file to get some of the deep, stubborn corrosion removed. The older grubbing hoe was a very difficult job due to its poor original condition, and did not have as nice of a result as I was hoping for. These hoes, one of the most common iron artifacts to be found at colonial sites, are fun to find and restore. I'll post up the 3rd example later, but it may take a while. Before and after photos of the first 2 are shown below.

 

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[Davers]

Recently I recovered 3 early hoes at a colonial site I've been working, and restoration work on 2 has been completed while a 3rd is still in the electrolysis tank. The 18th century broad hoe cleaned up very nicely although I had to enlist the assistance of a dremel tool and file to get some of the deep, stubborn corrosion removed. The older grubbing hoe was a very difficult job due to its poor original condition, and did not have as nice of a result as I was hoping for. These hoes, one of the most common iron artifacts to be found at colonial sites, are fun to find and restore. I'll post up the 3rd example later, but it may take a while. Before and after photos of the first 2 are shown below.

I admire your patience, I'm way behind on De-Rusting some old Hoes 'Mid 1800's ' era , Some AX Heads that I like ,even a couple of Horseshoes that I like from CW Areas.

The Dremel tool is your best friend in those Tough places.

 

[trapperart]

Nice job congrats

 

[AlienLifeForm]

Nice job, you really pimped out those old hoes.

 

[joeyfresh]

Look good. I know I've asked you a hundred times but to you polyurethane them or use something else?

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Look good. I know I've asked you a hundred times but to you polyurethane them or use something else?

Several coats of poly ....

 

[Cal_Cobra]

I've found a few hoes like that before at old Spanish sites in California. Not sure if I brought them home or not....hmmm

hh,
Cal

 

[cjon455]

Them old hoes cleaned up nicely. Great job on the restoration

 

[G.A.P.metal]

Bill
Nice job they look great for their age !
Gary

 

[Dug]

I admire your patience, I'm way behind on De-Rusting some old Hoes 'Mid 1800's ' era , Some AX Heads that I like ,even a couple of Horseshoes that I like from CW Areas.

The Dremel tool is your best friend in those Tough places.

Actually working on several axe and hoe heads myself at the moment. I second the motion on dremel with diamond bits. Just wish I could find something that can reach into the hard to get to area of the interior of the axe head which is where the most stubborn rust scabbing always seems to be. I have even resorted to using a round file in an electric drill for that part with slow results.

 

[crabstang44]

Oh, not the kind I was hoping to see ��

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Actually working on several axe and hoe heads myself at the moment. I second the motion on dremel with diamond bits. Just wish I could find something that can reach into the hard to get to area of the interior of the axe head which is where the most stubborn rust scabbing always seems to be. I have even resorted to using a round file in an electric drill for that part with slow results.

You're absolutely right - the inside of the eye of the hoe is always the most encrusted area and is the most difficult to clean. I chiseled away as much as could, then used a round file to finish the job. But it was not an easy task. The one I have currently cooking in the tank is gonna be the worst of the 3 to clean, and I'm not optimistic about the outcome.

 

[DownNDirty]

Great job with the restoration Bill; 18th century hoes are my favorite type of iron relic finds.

 

[Relicific]

Those hoes look lovely now

 

[Dug]

Those hoes look lovely now

After a few drinks, don't they all.

 

[villagenut]

Great clean up. I am a big fan of iron restoration, it is often the most overlooked and underrated of the things we dig up. Glad you have that eye for restoration, look forward to seeing more.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Great clean up. I am a big fan of iron restoration, it is often the most overlooked and underrated of the things we dig up. Glad you have that eye for restoration, look forward to seeing more.

Here's a few more iron artifacts .....

 

[deepdiggingnc]

They look great! That is a process I hope to be learning soon...

 

[boogeyman]

You're absolutely right - the inside of the eye of the hoe is always the most encrusted area and is the most difficult to clean. I chiseled away as much as could, then used a round file to finish the job. But it was not an easy task. The one I have currently cooking in the tank is gonna be the worst of the 3 to clean, and I'm not optimistic about the outcome.

Nice work on the restoration! Have you tried hanging a small electrode in the holes? Give it a try I think you'll like the results. If you have access to a sand blaster, a couple quick puffs with some walnut or glass bead will knock off a lot of the flakes in corners etc.

If all else fails CHEAT!!

 

[Dug]

Here's a few more iron artifacts .....

View attachment 1432473

Great job. I'm really impressed with that kettle bottom. Digging a whole one has always been on my bucket list.