Rustproof workbench top

[dutzk]

Just finished my work bench. I was very happy until I noticed the condensation from a beer caused the 16 gauge metal top to get a little rust. I assumed when I ordered the top and told them what it was for they would make it out of galvanized sheet metal. Shouldn't assume.... what should I do to keep it from rusting? I really like the way it looks now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kmacht]

Paste wax.

Keith

 

[rattle_snake]

I have a raw steel top as well and use a film of wd40
Can always sand the beer can rust ring off if needed.
Nice bench

 

[dutzk]

Any suggestions that aren't oily or greasy? like a paint that adheres really well?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[larry_g]

X2 on the paste wax. It doesn't transfer to much, doesn't scratch, and preserves your look. You may have to apply it once a year or so.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[MrCat63]

X3 for paste wax. Leaves a pleasant sheen. Reapply when it looks like it needs it which shouldn't be that often.

 

[Jackfre]

To clean up the top I use my random orbit polisher, not sander, with a 320 grit pad running in WD40. I then use Johnson's Paste Wax. I was putting my old Unisaw up for a couple years and it was going to be in a humid environment. I has some left over POR15 and did it in that. It was hard as hell getting it back off when I commissioned the saw again, but it worked.

 

[-Brent-]

What will you be doing on the bench?

I've found the more I use mine for disassembly where there's chemicals like oil, grease, etc., the more I need to keep after it.

Wax has worked best for me. However, I did have an issue with some corrosive acid. After clean-up and hitting it with the sander. I heated the bench with a torch and oiled it. My top is thick and I didn't use enough heat to warp it.

After oiling it, it took a couple times of cleaning it off to truly have little to no residue left. I've since waxed it a time or two.

I'm hoping the more I use it the less maintenance it needs. I like the raw steel but I feel like I have to clean this bench way more than any of my previous benches.

 

[kbs2244]

Another use for one of the paper towels you should have hanging there.

 

[dutzk]

Mostly be used for mechanical work, Minor wood working and a place to get away from the family. I'll have to check out the paste wax. Will it transfer an oil to objects?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Dragfluid]

Please don't paint it. Just start using it and enjoy it. Wipe it off and keep it clean. It will be fine.
Very nice looking setup.

 

[dutzk]

Paste wax was just what I needed. Thanks! Added 2 drawers to day and painted the wood around the metal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DGersic]

Gibbs Oil might work for you.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Tonyuk]

I use car wax on mine, dries quickly and isn't 'tacky' when set. Works well and is cheap.

Tonyuk

 

[dave89iroc]

stainless top?..................

 

[metalmagpie]

I have a friend who built a similar bench top about 5 years ago. He sprayed it with CRC 3-36 and let it dry. Still looks like new, absolutely no rust anywhere. This is inside, of course. Outside the rust will always win. Always.

metalmagpie

 

[-Brent-]

I have a friend who built a similar bench top about 5 years ago. He sprayed it with CRC 3-36 and let it dry. Still looks like new, absolutely no rust anywhere. This is inside, of course. Outside the rust will always win. Always.

metalmagpie

Interesting. I'm going to look into that stuff. Thanks!

 

[wssix99]

Paste Wax

BTW - Didn't your Mom teach you to use coasters? Are you some kind of animal???