Replies

1. 
   highfigh | Jan 27, 2006 08:19am | #1

   Just about any solvent will take it off, but scraping the bulk of the cosmolene (or whatever it is) off really speeds things up. I used mineral spirits and unless it's really cold, it evaporates quickly enough. Then, wipe it down with a more volatile solvent and remove any residue with clean cloth or paper towels. Paste wax, BoeShield, Top Cote or any other preservative will keep the bare cast iron from rusting.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
1. 
   Dan F | Jan 29, 2006 06:29am | #2

   Thanks.  I had some spray on mineral spirits and it worked like a charm.  Cleaned it up afterward with some denatured alcohol and the table looks great.

   Dan

1. 
   highfigh | Jan 29, 2006 07:34am | #3

   I would definitely recommend putting something on the bare surfaces to protect them. All it takes is cold temps and then warmer with high humidity to ruin your plans by making it necessary for you to spend a bunch of time cleaning and waxing it.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

2. 
   joepez | Feb 01, 2006 02:21am | #4

   I use WD-40.  As long as the goop is not too thick, works like a charm!!

   good sawing!!

3. 
   WhatKnot | Feb 01, 2006 02:29am | #5

   Dan, having put together many, many, many tools, the best thing I've found is Mineral Spirits. Then I hit it almost immediately with a shot of Top Coat. Works for me.

    

   Steve

   "You can either be smart or pleasant, I was once smart but now I'm pleasant. I like being pleasant better." Jimmy Stewart - Harvey

1. 
   Dan F | Feb 01, 2006 08:04am | #6

   Thanks.  I did the mineral spirits, along with a lot of elbow grease and it looks great.  Topkote next.

   Dan