Protecting a steel table top

[Keep]

I am in the process of building my welding/work bench. I was wondering what everyone uses on the steel top to keep it from rusting?

I thought about just a good paste wax, I use that on the tops of my woodworking stuff, but was concerned it would not hold up well to a shop environ with solvents and such. Though I guess its pretty easy to reapply.

So what do you all use?

 

[kbs2244]

Work on it.
The costant use keeps it rust free.

 

[MXtras]

Wax works - I use it on any unprotected bare steel surfaces.

Otherwise - unless it is ground and precise, a little surface rust is no big deal. It will develop a slight discoloration and then stop unless it is exposed to rain or direct water exposure. If the rust bothers you, wipe it down with oil or as said - just use it a lot. I don't like using oil as I mainly work with Aluminum and the oil creates issues with welding.

Scott

 

[Keep]

Well it should not be exposed to direct rain water, but it is in the garage and will see its share of -30 temps in the winter.

I will use it as much as possible but again -30 does not make for a good garage day, even with a heater

 

[toadjammer]

Moisture shouldn't be an issue unless you are using a space heater or open large doors when the plate is cold and it is warm and humid outside. By space heater it is very important not to use propane or gas unvented the moisture comes up dramatically and will get on every cold metal surface. I have direct expeirence with the humid outside air and regret opening the door that day, I now try to be more carefull.

 

[Fueler]

This stuff. Gibbs Brand

 

[ears]

I have a welding table in the backyard. A little used oil rubbed around the top wipe it off then hit it with the weedburner real quick. Been there for years just gets a little rust here and there where I've been grinding on it.

 

[Keep]

Well the current heater is a propane heater.

I learned the hard way about the moisture, on my freshly machined small block chevy. Noticed some surface rust on a couple cylinders, luckily it wiped off with some wd40 and is now coated with a nice coat of grease until I get to it.

I will look at the Gibbs.

 

[Jack Olsen]

If you're setting up for Mig, you might already have this on your list for keeping your tips clean. Guys who barbecue use it to keep rust from forming on their grills.

________
vaporgenie vaporizer

 

[e3pres]

I use a Scotchbrite pad on an air grinder to knock off the surface rust, then coat with WD-40. I have to redo it occasionally if I don't work on it for a while, but it is usually covered with greasy parts anyway, so it is rarely an issue.

 

[ozzirt]

Gently warm a mixture of lubricating oil and bees wax in the microwave until you have a mixture that sets to the consistency of heavy grease. (Best done while the little woman is out).

Keep it in a wide mouthed tin or jar and use a piece of rag to wipe onto of your bench top anywhere it is not covered in tools and broken projects. Best done on a warm day or as one reader suggests warm the bench top with your weed eater. (From below so you don't set fire to all the oily rags etc.).

 

[rinny_tin_tin]

I am in the process of building my welding/work bench. I was wondering what everyone uses on the steel top to keep it from rusting?

I thought about just a good paste wax, I use that on the tops of my woodworking stuff, but was concerned it would not hold up well to a shop environ with solvents and such. Though I guess its pretty easy to reapply.

So what do you all use?

Phosphoric Acid - such as the main ingredient in Naval Jelly - turns Iron Oxide (rust) into Iron Phosphate and halts rusting. You need to first allow a slight rust surface - you can pickle the iron (after cleaning/degreasing) with dilute muriatric acid (pool acid) (2-1) allow to sit for a day - rinse - and then treat with the Phosphoric Acid.

 

[RobSmith]

What is this table ? Polished steel ? Just leave it alone...working on it will keep it clean and over time it will develop a type of rust that just becomes a "finish" I've seen really old work tables that have never seen paint or protection and they are as good as the day they were made.

 

[Kevin54]

Just wipe it down with a little oil every once in a while.

 

[Diesel_Crawler]

If you're setting up for Mig, you might already have this on your list for keeping your tips clean. Guys who barbecue use it to keep rust from forming on their grills.

Yum Yum every time you run a bead you get the lovely sent of burning butter

I like the anti spatter dip myself.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Just bought a workbench and had this same problem. Was thinking of putting a new coat of paint on top, but I think I'll try waxing it and see how that works.

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

You boys could do what I do - work transmissions on it. The ATF fluid keeps ANYTHING from corroding on the surface.

Adam

 

[Lloydthumper]

Mines 1" stainless 4'x10' it was free and it doesn't rust either.

 

[jwith68]

Mines 1" stainless 4'x10' it was free and it doesn't rust either.

Well, the no rust aspect is great, but how do you keep a lightweight thing like that from skating all around your shop?

 

[evil16v]

enco has a large tool black kit for something like 70 bucks.... looks damn nice on the new iron table I built at work.

 

[alex71]

for those of you waxing your tables--what happens when you weld on it? does the wax allow the current to come through (for instances when the ground clamp is attached to the table and not the workpiece)?

 

[A_Pmech]

for those of you waxing your tables--what happens when you weld on it? does the wax allow the current to come through (for instances when the ground clamp is attached to the table and not the workpiece)?

Yep!

If it's a sensitive job involving TIG, simply scour it with Acetone and a Scotch Brite pad, literally for a second to strip the wax.

 

[alex71]

I'll have to give this a try. I have a 3x6 foot fine grain cast iron surface plate, precision ground, that I'll be doing this to. So far, I've been making sure it has a coating of wd40 all the time, but its messy. If I was made of money I'd just keep it covered in anti-spatter spray

What kind of wax should I use?

PS here's a pic, and another closeup of the surface. I know its going to happen eventually because I work on it, but I would like to keep it in good shape as long as I can.

 

[A_Pmech]

I'll have to give this a try. I have a 3x6 foot fine grain cast iron surface plate, precision ground, that I'll be doing this to. So far, I've been making sure it has a coating of wd40 all the time, but its messy. If I was made of money I'd just keep it covered in anti-spatter spray

What kind of wax should I use?

PS here's a pic, and another closeup of the surface. I know its going to happen eventually because I work on it, but I would like to keep it in good shape as long as I can.

Very nice! I'm jealous! They're not the surface plates I was looking for, but yours appears in EXCELLENT condition. Great find.

I use Johnson's Paste Wax on my cast iron surfaces, such as table saw, jointer, planer, shaper, and moulder tables and fences. I'd use the same wax on that surface plate. Johnson's is used on wood floors, among other things and is available at most well-stocked hardware stores and home centers. 6-8 applications, buffing between coats, over a day or two will protect it from most rust. Re-coat after each use during very humid weather, or during spring.

Should you get a brown dusting, simply strip it using a maroon Scotch Brite pad with WD-40. Wipe up the mess and re-wax. You'll never know the surface had rusted.

For dings and scratches, simply stone off the high spots with a 320-grit stone. Cover the areas you're not using for welding with a welding blanket to ease the task of cleaning up spatter.

 

[nate379]

I can imagine. I once picked up a 1/4" sheet of stainless thinking it was aluminum and damn near chopped my toes off!

Well, the no rust aspect is great, but how do you keep a lightweight thing like that from skating all around your shop?

 

[unimog1300]

I use Boeshield T-9.

http://www.boeshield.com/rust_prevention/t9_spray.php

I sprayed it on and let it dry overnight. Wiped off any left over in the morning. After wiping off any that is left leaves the top a little "tacky?" Used Johnson paste wax after that over the top. This is what I use on the cast iron top on my table also. Wood slides right through after the wax. It has been a year since I put it on and ZERO rust. I see this a lot on the woodworking sites for the table saw tops.

 

[alex71]

you guys should have warned me what you were getting me into. now I remember why I don't wash my cars, let alone wax them. Jeebus what a job. Maybe I'll pick up an electric buffer tomorrow if I see one at a garage sale. I certainly don't want to do this again anytime soon. This much exercise could kill someone.

Here are pics of what it looks like after three coats, applied Karate Kid style.

 

[A_Pmech]

hahahaha

It'll help you build some Popeye arms. Well, at least a Popeye arm, depending on whether you're left or right handed.

Tip: Apply the wax and chill for about 10-15 minutes. Just before it starts to "turn", start rubbing it out. Test with your finger to determine when it starts to change states. Small areas are the key, no more than a couple square feet at a time.

 

[35mastr]

Try GIBBS BRAND LUBRICANT. It will never rust.