Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 17, 2005 07:22am | #1

   First of all, don't (no matter what anyone here says) use acetone or any other fast-evaporating solvent. 

   I have used kerosene in the past, simply because I had a bunch sitting around.  I scrape off what I can using a plastic paint scraper, then go after the rest with kerosene.  If they recommend citrus-based cleaner as an alternative, there is certainly plenty of that around.  I think 409 even comes in a citrus form now.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   hammer1 | Jan 17, 2005 08:10am | #2

   Mineral spirits, (paint thinner) will clean it right up. Dispose of rags or paper towels properly.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

3. 
   VomSorb | Jan 17, 2005 05:46pm | #3

   Kerosene stinks and will leave everything greasy for a long time.

   I've use denatured alcohol very successfully in the past.  Evaporation is a wonderful thing.

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 17, 2005 08:11pm | #5

   "Kerosene stinks and will leave everything greasy for a long time."  Hmmmmm, certainly couldn't tell by sniffing and feeling my drill press table. forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   alfie | Jan 17, 2005 08:26pm | #7

   Over the years I have used WD-40 and haven't had any problems. Then, after a very thorough wiping with paper towels, I spray on TopCote. No problems with all that. Always WD-40 kicking around the shop, perhaps I'll stick with that.

   I posted my question thinking perhaps there are better methods. Plus, I have a nagging memory of a recent post in some or the other context in which folks said not to use certain types of materials on cast iron because they get in the pores and have adverse impact on the cast iron. Perhaps I am mis-remembering.

4. 
   gbinplano | Jan 17, 2005 05:56pm | #4

   I've had success with WD40. It leaves a very slight rust protective film even when wiped dry.

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 17, 2005 08:23pm | #6

   I dunno about WD40 -- I have a friend with a new Generael table saw, who's used WD-40 on it.  It's not looking so good right now.  I did a little Googling, and found a couple of references that would reinforce the idea that constant use ain't a good idea.  One indicates that within short order it will leave a sort of "varnish" on tools.  The other (a little easier to understand) indicates that it is hydroscopic (like brake fluid) and will drawer moisture out of the air if it's used long-term.

   I have no idea if either of these statements are valid -- but I do know I don't like what WD40 is doing to my friend's saw table.  I've used it as a lubricant when reconditioning a Veritas steel router table top and on the saw table for the same reason, but I always thoroughly clean it off afterward and put on a coat of wax.

   On the practical side, it's a pretty expensive choice for removing Cosmoline.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   JohnCabot | Jan 18, 2005 06:41am | #14

   Dear Jamie,

   I understand that you did purchase recently a Veritas Router table. Do you mind sharing with us your experience with such stationary tool?

   Both Lee Valley, MLCS and others offer cast iron router tables. In your opinion it is that the way to go?

   Thanks in advance

   John Cabot

5. 
   HowardAcheson | Jan 17, 2005 08:27pm | #8

   Kerosene is generally considered the preferred chemical to remove the cosmoline packing gunk. It readily cuts the stuff and leaves a small amount of oil on the surface which will retard later rusting.

   Mineral spirits can be used also as it is just a step away from kerosene in the distillation process. However, it leaves no oil behind.

   WD40 will work as it too uses a distillation between kerosene and mineral spirits. But, it is clearly the high priced solution.

   Howie.........
1. 
   alfie | Jan 17, 2005 08:31pm | #9

   A bunch of us seem to be posting on this topic at the same time. Thanks all. It seems a case of: kerosene, mineral spirits or WD-40, take your pick. Perhaps I'll go with mineral spirits because I have the stuff some where in the shop, and less expensive sounds better.

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Jan 18, 2005 12:08am | #10

   >>Perhaps I'll go with mineral spirits because I have the stuff some where in the shop, and less expensive sounds better.Sounds like a well though out and reasoned decision to me.Howie.........

2. 
   alfie | Jan 18, 2005 04:39am | #11

   After thought curiosity: what sort of place does one buy kerosene from?

1. 
   Dave45 | Jan 18, 2005 05:31am | #12

   I buy kerosene in five gal cans for my space heater at my local ACE hardware.

1. 
   highfigh | Jan 18, 2005 06:27am | #13

   If Top Cote or Boshield is going on, you probably don't want any kind of oil in the pores of the iron. I just cleaned the table on my new G0555 bandsaw and used mineral spirits, then after it was thoroughly dry (I did this inside my house), I put on three coats of Top Cote, rubbed it in and let it dry before buffing it off. I have cleaned my table saw and jointer tables every year and recoated them the same way without much rust. Not bad since I use a propane torpedo heater in winter here in WI.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

2. 
   lwj2 | Jan 19, 2005 05:31am | #18

   After thought curiosity: what sort of place does one buy kerosene from?
   **********Quite a few of the gas stations around here offer kerosene -- the pump is usually located well away from the gas pumps to lessen the chance of some dufus filling his gas tank with it.Leon Jester

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 19, 2005 10:04am | #19

   Ace Hardware for me.  Used to have a kerosene heater, so that's why I had a bunch around. forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   alfie | Jan 19, 2005 02:22pm | #20

   Thanks all. I may get some kerosene just to have around. I may even have seen it but not noticed it at Ace or the gas station, since previously I had no interest in it.

2. 
   forestgirl | Jan 20, 2005 04:03am | #21

   Keep in mind that it will absorb water in a very humid environment. I've ruined a couple of heater wicks due to that property.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

6. 
   Ribeye | Jan 18, 2005 08:00am | #15

   The instruction book(let) that came with my new big Craftsman table saw said to use WD-40 to remove the shipping "glop" ( my word, not theirs).  So I sprayed some WD-40 onto the surface and Bingo!.  It took it right off, and it didn't take very much of the WD-40 to do it up right, either.  (Natch, I hit the surfaces with paste wax right away.)

   -- Steve

   Enjoy life & do well by it;

   it might well be the only chance you get.

   http://www.ApacheTrail.com/ww/

1. 
   VomSorb | Jan 18, 2005 06:14pm | #16

   Certainly less offensive than kerosene.

1. 
   try5077 | Jan 19, 2005 01:09am | #17

   I used carb cleaner fron Autozone when I got My Grizzy TS. Everything else froze out in the garage in the middle of winter. Worked like a charm, was cheap and the spray cleaned out the Miter Gauge slot great. And the smell went away quick, and no residue.

7. 
   Mutinyguy | Jan 20, 2005 07:02am | #22

   I recently received 3 General machines and used kerosene on all of them. Cleaned up easily!

   Jim

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 20, 2005 09:03am | #23

   "...used kerosene on all of them."  UhOh, cstan's gonna be worried about how stinky and offensive you and your shop might now be.  You OK??forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   Mutinyguy | Jan 20, 2005 04:39pm | #24

   I shower and use deodorant every day so guess I smell OK :)

   Kerosene is not bad at all, just soak the rags and get them out of your shop. I finished with some Boeshield and Johnson's paste wax. I live 2 blocks off the Puget Sound and never have had any rust issues.

   Jim

    

1. 
   alfie | Jan 20, 2005 10:04pm | #25

   Having started this thread, I'd like to share the "everybody lived happily after" part. Used the mineral spirits already in my shop to wipe off the cosmoline. Having thoroughly wiped off with clean, dry wipers as best as I could, sprayed on TopCote, again already in my shop, and all is well.

   This discussion is prompting me to reconsider my routine maintenance of cast iron table (table saw, planer and jointer). Thus far I'd rub with steel wool to get any built up rust off, then spray WD-40, then steel wool again. Wipe off thoroughly. Then spray on TopCote. Going to stop using the WD-40 for this application.

   Thanks all.

1. 
   VomSorb | Jan 20, 2005 11:18pm | #26

   You mean you didn't drive all over town looking for kerosene?  Why, you must be some kind of raving idiot!  :-)

2. 
   alfie | Jan 21, 2005 02:09am | #27

   Something like that.... though the temptation was great.