Replies

1. 
   coolbreeze | Apr 14, 2007 04:53am | #1

   I live in Mississippi and what you describe is a common problem. When it is cold for several days and suddenly warms with the mosist gulf air, the humidity soars to the 80% or better. The thick steel on the CS, jointer, and drill press will sweat like a glass of iced tea in the summertime.

   Generally, I know when such conditions exist and will rub the surface down with an oily cloth until the threat is over.

   When I do not prepare and get a little rust, I use OO steel wool penetrated with oil and if the threat still exists, I leave the now rust colored oil on until the threat is gone. Afterwards, I simply rub the rusty oil off with a dry rag.

   There may be others who have much better solutions than I have and I will continue to watch this thread as I may also learn.

   A

   Good luck

1. 
   evanover | Apr 14, 2007 03:29pm | #4

   coolbreeze,

   Thanks for the response...what kind of oil do you use?  Does the oil leave a residue that could create an issue when staining? 

   Erik-

1. 
   coolbreeze | Apr 14, 2007 06:45pm | #8

   I use plain ole machine oil. I would nolt know about staining. I have an assembly table I use for staining. When I rub off the oil with a dry cloth, I try to get all the oil. I have not had any problem with residue.

   Cool

2. 
   Glaucon | Apr 14, 2007 05:14am | #2

   Rub down with steel wool and oil (or WD40). Finish with 1000 or 1500 grit sandpaper using a flat glass block or tile as your sanding block. Wipe with paper towels. To prevent recurrence, spray with Boeshield and let tack up over nght (don't wipe). The next morning buff with wax (I use carnuba car wax, but others use bowling alley or similar). I've done this for a number of years and have not had a problem despite wide changes in humidity.

   Glaucon

   If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...

1. 
   evanover | Apr 14, 2007 03:31pm | #5

   Glaucon,

   Thanks for your response as well.  What is Boeshield?  How long between applications normally? 

   Thanks, Erik

3. 
   rx | Apr 14, 2007 05:54am | #3

   I spent 15 bucks on a sheet of mdf and cut covers for all of my metal table tops. At the end of a work session I blow off the dust and place the cover on the machine. I made guide runners for the machines that have them. Helps keep them in place. I haven't had to buff off rust in ages. It also helps protect the tables from nicks and dings. Not to mention the odd popsicle, wet towel, etc. from the kids and the Mrs. 

    

1. 
   evanover | Apr 14, 2007 03:33pm | #6

   RX,

   I like yor idea.  Once I get these items back in shape I will make MDF covers to protect.

   Thanks,

   Erik-

2. 
   Spalted | Apr 14, 2007 04:40pm | #7

   That is by far the best solution i have heard in a long time. so crazy it might just work!