Cleaning cast iron equipment tables.

My shop is unheated unless I'm in it with the stove going. I have bad rust staining on the table saw, jointer, bandsaw... etc. Been watching a few videos on how to remove it and it seems like maybe buying a cheap throwaway orbital sander with some 220 grit and some penetrating oil will get the job done. Being an ex machinist, I kind of shutter at the thought. Naturally I would never do this on a mill or a lathe but then again, you don't have a rust issue with them normally because they are coated in oil. I can't really see taking enough material off to make a difference in accuracy for wood working. However, has anyone on here ever tried it? Notice any difference in accuracy?

I use 300 grit to start cleaning then go to 1000 grit, also you could try some micro rubbing compound, I was going to use some but my bottle had dried up and just didn’t get any, then I use these products to polish them.

http://www.californiacustom.com/purple_metal_polish.html

I’ve used this to help clean them as well.


http://www.californiacustom.com/aluminum_deoxidizer.html

I take it that you noticed no difference in accuracy?

i have used 80 grit paper on my table saw top and never caused any troubles

Once sanded wax them with car wax. It will make the wood slide better too.

Brown 'Scotch brite' pads from Menards, and elbow grease. Slicks em right up.

Then use paste wax as mentioned above.




Charlie

No, one thing you have to remember you are not removing that much material, also most wood working machines are not near as accurate as the metal machines you are used to working with.

Don't forget if you use a penetrating oil or WD40 you have to get that off the surface with something else before oiling or waxing. I use paint thinner or acetone.

I use wax on my planer, band saw and table saw.

Pete

Some gun guys use #4 fine steel wool with motor oil to remove rust without removing the blueing...

Scotch bright pads to clean ,then Johnson's past wax to polish .