Replies

1. 
   SawdustSteve | Sep 01, 2003 06:04am | #1

   The answer is real simple.  If the tool company says to use wax and you do and a rust spot forms under the wax, you're going to sue them for 1 million bucks because THEIR approved method did not work and the speck of rust has just destroyed the machine and it's all their fault! ! .   My method  (and others are free to disagree) is....  use mineral spirits, alcohol or laquer thinner  (your choice) to de-grease the top and any miter gauge slots.  Thoroughly dry the surface.  Use 4/0 steel wool and rub in any wax you would normally use on furniture.   Rub it in really well.  Let it dry and use a clean rag to buff the surface.  Repeat this proceedure at least once more just in case you missed a spot.  After that, repeat the waxing once a month or as needed.  I've used Johnsons Paste wax and Butchers Wax, both with good results.  The only warning is DO NOT use a wax that contains ANY silicones.  Silicone reacts badly with most finishes, and you don't want any trouble when you're finishing the project.   Someone also said that a light coating of TALCUM powder works just as well.  I have not tried that method as I enjoy the wax application.   SawdustSteve

1. 
   Harry6144 | Sep 02, 2003 03:41am | #2

   I have used the talcum powder method and it does work.  I live less than 1/2 mile from the Atlantic Ocean, and couple that with pressure treated wood which gets placed on the table saw, jointer, etc and any and all other liquids it rusts before your eyes.  I do not do it as often as I should, but the previous method of wax sounds like it will last longer.

   My question there is how much use is made of the tool.  I am not a cabinet shop.

   Harry

1. 
   SawdustSteve | Sep 02, 2003 10:33pm | #3

   Harry... I do the 'wax thing' to all the machines (woodworking and metalworking)  in a junior high school shop.  The 3 ancient Delta 24" scroll saws are used almost daily.  The tables on them get waxed every two to three weeks.  The jointer is used rarely (mostly for me to use) and so it gets waxed 2 or 3 times a year.  The table saw and band saw, again for preping wood for the kids, once a month or so.   Most of these machines are close to 50 years old.  The top surfaces have all turned a nice dark plum brown color.  I prefer it to fresh new machine bright.  My basic philosophy is... when the wood drags across the surface rather than sliding across the surface, it's time to apply more wax.  Again, I usually use Johnsons paste wax as the school is too cheap to spring for Butchers wax.      SawdustSteve

2. 
   LeeTree | Sep 03, 2003 02:24am | #4

   Evan,

   I live on the intercoastal waterway in Daytona Beach, and certainly know humidity. Between the hot, wet summers, and the salt water, I have seen a drop of sweat turn into a huge rust spot in hours. I started using Boeshield T9 on all my tools after trying wax, and several other things.

   Two things:

   1) Even with the T9, I still have to polish my tools every 4-6 months (which is better than every day, like I used to). However, with the T9, polishing is done quite quickly.

   2) The more you use the tool, the less it will rust. I am a hobbyist, but if I can get in the shop most of the time, my between polishing cycle gets even longer.

   Good luck.

   - lee -