Most quality saw tables are cast iron which can prove to be a problem if you only use your table saw occasionally. Cast iron is a metal that rust very easily so therefore you have to know how to keep your saw table clean and free of rust. There is a number of quality lubricants on the market specifically designed for saw tables there are also other lubricants that you may have at home that will do the job of cleaning.

Prevention

Prevention is always best alternative. If your saw table is clean then all you need to do is apply a light coat of wax approximately every month and this can prevent your saw table from rusting. If it's too late to do this and you see rust on your saw table you need to tend to it immediately. Steel wool and a bit of elbow grease, works wonders on rust. It is simple but it does work. If the rust is really heavy, use a little WD-40 and sandpaper to cut away the heaviest parts, using steel wool to get rid of the rust that's left. Wash your saw table with soapy warm water and apply a protective wax to prevent rusting from happening again. If you store your saw table, place it in an area where the humidity is extremely low.

Silicone spray

There is a special silicone spray that can be used to loosen rust from your saw table, just spray it on and with a little elbow grease the rust should loosen and come off. Check your silicone spray before you use it as some silicones will stay and stick to certain types of wood you're using. After the cleaning, if you're going to store your saw table again apply a good car wax to the surface, let it dry and wipe it off, this will help protect the surface. It is always good to have machinist soap on hand to keep your saw table and your saw running smoothly.

Rust remover

For well rusted saw tables, your next option is Boeshield rust remover. Attach a steel wool pad to a 180 grit sand disk and put your orbital sander to work. Use the sander with care to gently remove the rust. If you're not careful when you sand you can permanently damage the surface.

Sand blasting

If your saw table is in extremely bad condition you may have to consider taking it to a sand blasting company. Sand blasting will remove a saw table with a heavy build up of rust. This method does remove the heavy rust but sometimes at a cost to the saw table. It tends to damage the surface unless you're extremely careful. This is an option that needs a lot of consideration.

Summary

Saw tables have improved in price in recent years but if you have already invested a large sum of money into your saw table then you likely would prefer to keep the one you have instead of investing in a new one. This can be done with proper maintenance and care of your saw especially when you know how to keep your saw table clean and free of rust.

Learn more about this author, Betty Carew.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about How to keep your saw table clean and free of rust?
We want to hear your view. Write now!