Table saw rust issue

[drb007]

My dad is redoing an old Oliver table saw. It must have been rusted badly in the past as it has some deeper pits that have not come out after going from 80 grit and gradually increasing to 1500. I think he can live with the pits, but here is the issue.
On his powermatic, he redid the top the same way and sprayed it with a conditioner he got from Woodcraft to seal the metal and keep it from rusting. It doesn't seem to be working. Boeshield T-9 is the product. If he puts his hand on the top and has any sweat, it will flash rust.
Now, I know he is working in tough conditions, as his shop is not air conditioned. But my question is: what is the best way to treat the table top on these old saws to keep them from rusting after he shines them up?
In days past, they recommended using paste wax. Anyone have any tricks that have worked in hostile environments?
Thanks for the help...

 

[Davefr]

I've had the best results with Varathane #66 Natural Oil. It's a diluted polyurethane. You wipe it on and then wipe it off. Don't build up a surface layer!!

It seems to seal up cast iron pretty good but you'll need to re-apply it occasionally.

I've never had much luck with wax. It just doesn't last very long. You also need to avoid anything silicone based or it can contaminate to wood you're working with.

 

[enrare]

The Boeshield and Johnson's paste wax are pretty common approaches with usually good results. Might try sawmill creek.com with your question, it's a popular message board site for woodworkers.

 

[Bob C]

Might try sawmill creek.com with your question, it's a popular message board site for woodworkers.

I agree. They helped me get my Powermatic adjusted so it would not burn my maple.

 

[cgv69]

The Boeshield and Johnson's paste wax are pretty common approaches with usually good results.

Those are two of the most common suggestions but I've never had much luck with either unless you are willing to reapply them every few weeks.

The current issue of Fine Working magazine just did a test of common rust prevention products (including T9 and paste wax) against both cast iron and tool steel and their results mirrored my own as far as T9 and paste wax not being very effective. The best over all product in their test as CRC 3-36.

The other interesting product in their test was plain old WD-40. It was one of the top performers. The interesting thing about that is most WW'ers will tell you to avoid petroleum based products like WD-40 with the belief being that those products left on a tool's surface will transfer to the wood causing finishing or adhesion issues. FFW tested that theory and found that there was really no truth to it.

 

[bluechevy94]

Reinnsance Wax is what I use on the bed of my lathe and my table saw.Apply it once a month and haven't had no problems with rust.A little bit goes a long way.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

My dad is a wood worker and to prevent rust and help wood slide across we use Turtle wax. I clean it off with denatured alcohol and put a few coats of wax on it.

 

[Hetman]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphoric_acid
Removes rust and creates passive coating. After that use sth. oily or greasy .

 

[drb007]

Thanks guys!

 

[woody 73]

Never and I repeat never cut green (red oak) on your wood lathe or table saw without some kind of paste wax the moment the (tanic acid hits the metal it will rust before your eyes!

Been there done that.

Johnson's paste wax is your best friend.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I mostly cut plywood and pine boards but i keep k good coat of wax on it.

 

[darkk]

I use Johnsons paste wax. Wipe it on, wipe it off...

 

[djjsr]

I've always been a little leery of using a wax product on my saw table, thinking that the wax might transfer to the wood and create a problem when it comes to finishing.

I've been using this Bostik product that I got from Rockler. I only use it once a year and it seems to work great.

 

[cheechi]

I have always used WD-40 for anything I have needed to clean the rust/corrosion from. wire wheel and a little bit of buff/polish then some light WD-40. I have heard of a lot of local woodworkers and furniture makers using beeswax for nearly everything related to tool care.

I assume these recommendations are primarily for preventing iron rust on the tops? I have the Ridgid portable table saw with the aluminum top. I haven't had any problems with things not going smoothly on it. Will I? It's still pretty new but nowhere in the book or any reviews have I seen anything specific to take care of the tabletop. My tabletop isn't a super-smooth finish, Any suggestions how I can take better care of my aluminum top?

 

[Chadwilliam1]

do not use oil on a table saw it will ruin the wood.

cheechi, it wouldn't hurt to apply a layer of wax.

 

[TMcCay]

I have a great results with a product called Slip-it. It has been around for a long time and will not affect wood when it comes time for finishing. It also works great on saw blades. It is silicone free and can be found here http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003DPVII2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[worknhard]

Brush on a coat of Penetrol and let dry. Works great for stopping oxidation/rust on bare metal surfaces. I use it on all my machine tables.