Any tips for restoring tools?

[Ryan Jacob]

So I have this machete at home that I’d like to get usable again. It’s my grandpa’s but he doesn’t know how to take care of his tools. Somehow, when he tried getting it resharpened by someone, it went from a two sided bevel to one sided bevel and the edge bacame all chewed up. The handle also broke off. Any ideas what to do? It’s also horribly rusted.

[Hawkdancer]

Start with naval jelly to remove the rust.  You may need to recreate the handle.  You can regrind the bevel, possibly without heat treatment.  Do it slow and keep the edge cool.  If you don't have a slow grinder, do it by hand.  I would definitely try to restore my grandfathers tools if I had any.
Hawkdancer

[Ryan Jacob]

Not sure if I have naval jelly or would like to handle it. I have cut-offs from staves and a whetstone. This may take a while to do

[KHalverson]

Ryan
this may help you.
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,63036.0.html

[Eric Krewson]

I took these from this;



To this; with sandpaper, steel wool and some oil on the froe after sanding.

[PaulN/KS]

Machetes are not known to be super hardened so you should be able to re-bevel the edges with a file.

[Hawkdancer]

NJ is pretty safe to use.  Just read and follow the instructions.  The other methods work well, also.
Hawkdancer

[dylanholderman]

post some pics like a bow we can help you better if we can see it too 

for the rust i'd just use a wire wheel in a angle grinder, if its completely covered in rust it should leave a nice dark patina after you're done.

[Ryan Jacob]

I’ll try to get pics this weekend