effect of dampness on axles

Axles is probably the least of the worry.

 

Purchase a 50-80 pint frost-free dehumidifier with constant drainage outside the cellar(or use a condensate pump to pump it into the plumbing drains or outside). This will control the humidity and help heat the basement.

If you are getting water up through cracks in the floor, you may wish to look into having your water problem addressed.
French drains and / or a sump pump may be in order.

Or your problem could be addressed as simply as adjusting the pitch of the ground around your house.

I have 2 regular pumps in case in heavy rains,1 burns out,the other can take over,plus a battery back up. Yes the water goes relatively fast, it's only present in heavy rains&when the soil is saturated with moisture. It doesn't standfor long periods of time,as soon as the ground starts to stabalize the water's pumped out,plus the water at the cracks receeds. I have a humidifier on the furnace which was just installed last year.
The water problem isn't constant as I mistakenly let on. Only there at times of excessive ground saturation.
Thanks to all for your inputs.
Al

You don't want a humidifier, you want a dehumidifier.

 

You want a condensate pump for the dehumidifier output, this is very different than a sump pump.

Yes, moisture will cause corrosion on internal and external metal parts, especially those that may not be protected or have scratches.  Axles, DC can motors, frame, drive rods on steam, etc...   G 

If your basement can become damp enough to have water seeping in, even if only occasionally, I'd be more concerned with the effect of such on the benchwork, scenery and electronics. I too would suggest installing a good dehumidifier, and even looking at having the basement sealed against water ingress.

Alan, I would be more concerned with your health. all this excess water will cause mold, very bad stuff. a de-humidifier will help stabilize the humidity level, but you have to keep the water table below your basement slab. a dehumidifier can't hope to keep up with that kind of moisture. a good sump pump set in a pit set to keep water at least 2" below the bottom of the slab is the answer. I have the same water problem and my basement is dry as a bone, I have all my woodworking machinery with cast iron tops down there with no rust at all. cast iron machine tops will show the first signs of moisture.

Good morning Alan

 

You should never get water in a basement. This should be moved up on your repair list quickly. I worked a whole year on the house I bought to get the basement dry before I put anything in it. From damp musty odor to now having to run a humidifier, to put some moisture back in.

Clem 

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