I had various spots of rust on my cast iron tablesaw surface and found Naval Jelly at the local home center. It worked in removing the rust but I am not hapy with what it did to my otherwise shiny table top – It leaves this coating that makes the cast ron ook dull. Is there any way to get the shiny new look back to my cast iron surface?
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Replies
buff, buff, buff........then paste wax
I've used my ROS with 220 grit to shape up neglected tabletops. Followed with paste wax and buff out with the same ROS with a bonnet.
Joe
Make sure you get all the naval jelly off before it dries. If you didn't, the left over film can be removed with...more naval jelly.
Buff and wax.
Pete
What type of material is used to buff the table? I used some fine steel wool and that did not remove the film. Also, is there another chemical to be used with the buffer to get that polished look? Thanks - I am really new to this so I need everything spelled out. -Tom
If you don't get all the naval jelly off, it leaves a coating on the surface that is extremely tough. The best remover for that is more naval jelly, followed by careful cleaning with water to avoid leaving any behind. Be sparing so you don't get water anywhere else.
Once the surface is clean, it doesn't functionally matter what it looks like. I'm guessing you're trying to get back to a factory "fresh-ground" look though. Steel wool will give you a softer matte finish. You need something sharper, like fine sandpaper. I'm guessing 220 or 320 will look close to the factory grind.
You definitely need to wax afterward or the top will rust again. I use a regular beeswax furniture polish.
Pete
Try scotch brite pads made by 3M.
Scroll down this page, for example:
http://www.reactivemetals.com/Pages/rmssup.htm
You can get these at any paint supply store (Duron, Sherwin Williams), or any place that has refinishing materials etc.
They do not remove metal and with a little elbow grease will give you a nice clean finish.
Wax is good after its clean. Boeshield T-9 is also excellent as a slippery, durable, protectant.
Thank you all for the advice - Tom
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