Replies

1. 
   Rich14 | Jan 12, 2007 02:34am | #1

   Optimistic,

   Remove the protective coating with lots of rags using mineral spirits or naphtha. I strongly recommend the "low odor" mineral spirits. Do the job with plenty of ventilation. Preferably out doors if you can. Spread the rags out on a concrete floor to dry. Do not place them into a heap while still wet or you can get spontaneous combustion.

   Using paste wax to protect the dry, cleaned machine is a good idea.

   Rich

   
   

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   Edited 1/11/2007 6:35 pm ET by Rich14

1. 
   dfletcher | Jan 12, 2007 05:37pm | #2

   I've always used WD-40 and then a coat of wax to protect it from rust.  IMO, WD-40 cuts the crud real well.

   -David

1. 
   Yersmay | Jan 12, 2007 08:09pm | #3

   While I'm very good about cleaning and waxing iron and steel surfaces to prevent rust, the one surface I let go is the table to the drill press. Sometimes I'll steel wool it, simply to cut through a light layer of rust, but I'll never use lubricant such as WD-40 or paste wax because I'd rather have some friction help hold material steady while drilling. Different strokes for different folks, but I thought I'd pass that along.

1. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Jan 13, 2007 12:44am | #4

   Afternoon Yersmay...

   I cleaned my Rigid 15" DP all other tools with low-odor mineral spirits and add a coat of wax as previoulsy suggested. Also as suggested, plenty of ventilation as low odor doesn't mean no odor or fumes for that matter. The cosmoline will come right off with rags. A bundle of terry-cloth ones that have that roughed surface works best. Anything left over, you can use wiping off gel stain after you apply it. They work best I have found for that also.

   Regards...

   SARGE... jt