A new enterprise has arrived in cyberspace!

On Feb. 1, 2005, the makers of Rustbeeter™ launched their website, www.rustbeeter.com, to spread the word about a natural way to remove rust from ferrous metal collectibles and assist current customers with questions they might have.

A byproduct of the sugar beet-refining process, Rustbeeter™ is an environmentally safe and easy way to remove rust. The same property that allows the sugar beet to draw iron from the soil enables Rustbeeter™ to remove iron oxide (rust) from steel, cast iron, chrome and other metals except aluminum.

"Unlike sandblasting , wire brushing or using acids and caustics, Rustbeeter™ attacks only the rust and not the base metal," explained project manager Peter Spangler, who founded Rustbeeter™ in April 2003.

Spangler said visitors to www.rustbeeter.com will find detailed information about Rustbeeter™ and its use. The easy-to-navigate website includes tips for classic car and tractor restorers, old engine and tool collectors, antique dealers and anyone else who wishes to refurbish metal to its original, pristine condition in an environmentally and labor-friendly way.

In addition, browsers will find an FAQs section that provides the answers to a long list of questions frequently asked about Rustbeeter™, updated instructions for current product users, a tentative schedule of upcoming shows and swap meets Rustbeeter™ representatives plan to attend and an invitation for persons interested in becoming dealers or "custom dippers."

Contact information for technical support and ordering Rustbeeter™ round out the website's fare.

Spangler said he is particularly excited about going online because it allows him to spread the word about Rustbeeter™ throughout the Midwest and beyond.

"At every show I've been to, from Iola, Wis., to Portland, Ind., visitors to my booth ask if we're on the Internet," said Spangler, of Fort Atkinson, Wis. "Now they'll be able to learn about Rustbeeter™ at their leisure, as well as ask specific questions relating to their own projects."

"They'll also be able to print out order forms to buy Rustbeeter™ or find out where we'll be so they can buy it in person," Spangler added.

Resembling coffee grounds, Rustbeeter™ is mixed with water to form a pudding-like slurry. The antique or metal part is submerged for up to about seven days and then hosed off when clean. The item is then ready for paint, oil or, as Spangler uses, wax.

"Leaving the metal in Rustbeeter after the rust has been removed will not affect the metal surface," Spangler said, adding that Rustbeeter will not harm paint unless there is rust beneath it.

"The Smithsonian Institution does not allow sandblasting or the wire brushing of its antiquities; that says a lot," Spangler said. "Condition is everything, whether restoring an old Ford, a wrench or a railroad lantern. Rustbeeter is the only product I know of that enables a collector to retain an antique's original patina, and in turn, increase its monetary value."

Rustbeeter™ is available by direct order in amounts to fill 5-gallon, 6-gallon and 5-quart pails. To order or for more information, contact Spangler at: Petramech LLC, 618 Monroe St., Fort Atkinson, WI, 53538. The telephone number is (920) 563-4048 and e-mail address is: mail@rustbeeter.com.

Information and order forms also are available on the website at www.rustbeeter.com.