I'm not quite sure how to make the alloy distinction after the fact. I didn't look too close at the swarf myself & it was probably turning different than in my home lathe, but if I had to guess maybe 1018? 12L14 will show rust speckles too, probably quite rapidly in a wet kitchen environment. The lead for machinability, wont help with oxidization. Clear coating bare metal is one of those 100-opinions type thing. Usually 2K paint or powder coating is what the pros do. The ambient cure spray bombs usually don't last, particularly if it sees any kind of service. I've also heard of some hand applied waxes that are food friendly & seem to do a decent job. Its used extensively on hardwoods, cutting boards etc. I guess an automotive wax on metal might be an analogy, but probably that particular stuff is has volatiles so not food friendly. Lee Valley Tools has some waxes like this, maybe worth a shot or test. Next session someone needs to bring some slugs of stainless! ")
