There’s probably been other threads about this topic but does anybody have any tips or tricks for cleaning up the machined surface of a semi-rusted shop tool. I just bought a new cabinet saw and I’m getting a few small stains, I would like to get rid of them without hurting the tabletop. I also have some older machines I would like to clean up.
Thanks, Brian
Replies
I saw a tip once for using an ROS with a scotchbright green pad attached as an easy way to scrub down a rusty top.
For light stains, I like to use the fine Sandflex Hand Block -- "rubber-bonded abrasive blocks." See them here:
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=7329
Be sure an clean afterward with mineral spirits. The rubber leaves a black residue.
You can use super-fine wet/dry sandpaper with WD40 if the stains are bad. On my used (quite used) Veritas steel router-table top, I got desperate and used my ROS with very fine (can't remember grit) paper and sparingly applied WD40. The paper didn't last long, but it was worth it to not have to hand sand.
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" .... :>)
Thanks for the tip, Ill give it a try. I just bought a spray can of a finisher for machined surfaces, after cleaning them up I'll give it a good spray down with this stuff (can't remember the name). It says on the can that it contains no oils or silicon. Just got done tuning up some of my older hand planes and I sprayed them down with the stuff, it left them very slick and enjoyable to use.
Brian
I've had very good results with a product called Bostik Top Coat. $10 for a spray can. There is also a very good article on this subject in the June Fine Woodworking issue - pg 30.
Bob
Machine surface cleaning...
I spray mist all my cast iron stuff with spring water.... Let it rust a bit and sand lightly.. All my tools have this great brown patina!
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled