Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Oct 05, 2007 10:34pm | #1

   Getting the tables to shine may not be possible, but it isn't hard to get them cleaned up.

   You do not need special commercial rust removers, acids, salt, lemon peels or any of the other chemicals I've seen recommended over the years. In fact, many of those suggested cures will only lead to further more severe rust problems in the future.

   The easiest way to remove rust from flat cast iron surfaces is to just sand it off. If the rust is light, start with 220 grit aluminum oxide sandpaper, the same stuff you probably have around for wood sanding. If the rust is heavier or especially hard you can back down to coarser grades to remove it and then go up through the grades, finishing off with 320 or 400 grade paper.

   I usually sand off the rust without using oil. The fine dust created is slightly irritating to breathe and stains porous surfaces so vacuuming it up as you work or doing the job outside and blowing the dust away is a good plan. A light spray oil like WD-40 will control the dust but the oil rust mixture is very messy and will require constant wiping up with paper towels. Try it both ways and use whatever technique works better for you.

   For final polishing I usually use a bit of oil with the finest paper and then wipe down the tables with furniture wax.

   As much as possible try not to get the dust down inside of the machine, it isn't good for bearings and moving parts.

   John White

1. 
   GrumpysGrotto | Oct 07, 2007 04:16am | #2

   Your recommendations worked pretty well.  Thanks.