rusting power tools

BizDoc · Jan 20, 2008

I live in cold west central Pa and my shop is not heated, so in the winter my table saw and jointer sit in the cold shop and get a rust film on them. Does anyone have any good way of first getting the rust off, I usually use steel wool in the spring, and second what do you do to keep the rust off. I've read not to wax the tops since that would be a buildup on the work surface, and not to use oil since it would rub off on the wood. Not sure what else to do?

scott_vt · Jan 20, 2008

BizDoc said:
I live in cold west central Pa and my shop is not heated, so in the winter my table saw and jointer sit in the cold shop and get a rust film on them. Does anyone have any good way of first getting the rust off, I usually use steel wool in the spring, and second what do you do to keep the rust off. I've read not to wax the tops since that would be a buildup on the work surface, and not to use oil since it would rub off on the wood. Not sure what else to do?

Good Evenin Bizdoc,
In the past I have used scotch brite pads along with some WD 40 to remove minor surface rust, with good success. To prevent further rust I then sprayed the cast surfaces with LPS Protective coating spray ! Many years ago when I worked for a heavy machinery manufacturer we used to use cosmoline but that stuff takes a long time to remove and is best suited for long storage and shipping IMO !

shvl73 · Jan 20, 2008

I would "fog" it w/ WD40 then clean it off w/ brake cleaner in the spring.

EarPlug · Jan 20, 2008

I ave used CorrosionX for everthing from the tractor to guns and it has never failed to work.

Jack

sandman2234 · Jan 20, 2008

shvl73 said:
I would "fog" it w/ WD40 then clean it off w/ brake cleaner in the spring.

Sorry, but I don't agree that wd-40 is a good rust preventative. There are a bunch a lot better for your saw tables. I do use a LOT of wd-40 here though, as I use it when I am cutting aluminum. Makes a perfect lube for that.
David from jax

ToadHill · Jan 20, 2008

Try Fluid Film, it keeps rust off my plow shares.

schmism · Jan 21, 2008

i use carnuba wax on mine. any hard wax that is then buffed out is fine.

after use it starts to wear off.... reapply. not like your putting on layers and layers of the stuff....