Secret to removing cosmoline:

Very hot water.

Seriously.  It works like a charm.

I purchased an NOS Ukrainian SKS packed in cosmoline in the original box,
just like these saws.  Took it all apart, built a little "tank" on the
garage floor outta 2x4s and plastic sheeting, filled the teakettle a couple
times, and poured it over all the parts.  Swished the parts around and the
cosmoline just melted right off.  Did that twice and the parts came out
spotless.  A quick shot of light oil and voila!  Brand new SKS.

I even did the wood stock that way - it is untreated so it actually soaked
up a little cosmoline.  A couple of baths in very hot water and it came
right out - and using very hot water made it dry faster when removed from
the bath.

- Bill T.

-----Original Message-----
From: oldtools-bounces@r...
[mailto:oldtools-bounces@r...] On Behalf Of Pete Taran
Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 2:49 PM
To: oldtools@r...
Subject: [OldTools] FS: MINT One Man Cross Cut Saws

Galoots,

It's been a while since I have made a FMM post, but while doing some
extensive archaeological digs in my basement, I uncovered a cache of saws I
bought a few years back in their wooden crate.  Not a tool that you will use
every day for sure, but if you need one, it would be hard to beat this
example.

They were destined for an Army Depot in Pennsylvania. These saws are made by
Simonds, and date to the 1930s. I think that these saws were intended for
use during WWII for soldiers to clear trees and brush to move equipment
around the battlefield.

To see photos, read more about them and place an order, visit:
http://tinyurl.com/6sb9dx

Just for long time Galoot customers, put codeword "GALOOT" in the text
comments at time of order and receive a complimentary 6" mill file with
handle which is perfect for keeping your saw sharp and cutting.

Pete Taran
Vintage Saws on the web at:
www.vintagesaws.com

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