rusting power tools

[BizDoc]

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]

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]

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

 

[EarPlug]

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

Jack

 

[sandman2234]

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]

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

 

[schmism]

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....

 

[westbrooklawn]

I 2nd the "fluid film"... great stuff

 

[guyrj33]

I use paste wax on my cast iron surfaces.

 

[RobertN]

Top Saver Rust Remover and Lubricant - Rockler Woodworking Tools

Boeshield® T-9 Lubricant - Rockler Woodworking Tools

Tool Tune-Up and Maintenance - Rockler.com