rusted calibration marks

[agarrettjr]

I've inherited my Dad's lathe. After much cleaning, I've found faint calibration marks on the carriage and feed wheels as well as the tail stock feed. I'm not sure I'm using the correct terminology yet. Anyway, what do you recommend to remove this light surface rust without interferring with the calibration marks? It's an old Logan lathe / screw machine.

Thanks,

 

[Tony Wells]

Those normally are referred to as "graduations". Depending on how badly they are rusted, a light rubdown with Scotchbrite, or even some 400 grit wet-or-dry paper can bring them back. They aren't very deep. With a fairly bright foreground, they are generally visible enough to be usable. If you use any abrasive, be sure and keep it off delicate surfaces and clean up after the job.

And, Welcome to the forum! Post a few pictures of the lathe if you can. We'd all like to see it.