How do I coat steel to rust-proof it?

[mrcodewiz]

Duracoat may be an option too - I have used it for gun barrels in the past and it seems durable. I don't have any long-term experience with it though.

[djr76]

Make it out of stainless steel, no coating required

[barneycarparts]

OK I have chinese steel rails. My shop has some, but not a lot of moisture but a 70 degree California swing between summer and winter.

I Spent $500 on rails and $650 ballscrews on a nice 8020 24x48 CNC router. Which is a lot for me.

Will gun blueing or browning or blacking help the rust on the rails along with some oil? I also have a Harbor Freight 3 in one mill/drill/lathe with cast Iron deck and Acme screws should I blue them or am I nuts?

Im just afraid if I leave it for 2-3 months it will start to rust

OK I know Im nuts but would like to know what you think....About the blueing,browning, blacking thing..

Thanks

[hjl4]

Wow such trivia. Honestly, paint or any other plastic coating material will make your wrench slippery if it becomes in contact with any lubricant.
For me, just plain bare metal with a wiping of WD40. Works great and I have never had a wrench slip out of my hands. Unless you are using salt water as a coolant,
use a semi synthetic at slightly higher concentration. I use the Koolit type, and never had issue with residue or rust. Just my opinion.

[underthetire]

just spray them with oil, not wd40. all the coatings will still rust on steel, and dont make good bearing surfaces.

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[autotrol]

Have you considered anodizing?