Thread: OK to use CLR to Clean Table top?

Definitely not - the acids in CLR will react with cast iron. Jellmar state this specifically in the FAQ's on the CLR product website.

Thanks, I've discovered that the hard way. I posted just after giving the top a wipe down with. I found a couple of sites that said it was ok. I didn't leave it on there very long, but it has discoloured the top slightly - where it now has a slight brown tinge. I don't think it is a huge drama, but not something I will be doing again. The again, I could be wrong, again.

a solvent based product like WD40 and a nylon scourer works for me, worth a shot to see if that removes the discoloration. Cast iron is porous, so you'd need to be giving it a good clean anyway to remove the CLR, else it will continue to corrode. Then keep it waxed.

Post the CLR bungle I've hit it a couple of times with INOX and the green nylon scrubber, in fact I've got a couple of colours of nylon scrubbers that attach directly to the mouse. This has made some fo the faint stain go away, but there is a little remaining. it seems to be stable now, in terms of it doesnt seem to be getting worse, and when I look at the table from an angle it looks perfectly flat and a mirror like finish.

Best thing for light rust removal from tablesaws, handtools, etc. is the Rust Remover product sold at auto shops - it should be basically a dilute phosphoric acid solution.

I apply with fine steel wool, but I guess any kind of scourer pad will work. It might even remove the staining from using CLR.

Thoroughly clean off when done, then apply your rust preventative of choice. I use either paste wax (Ubeaut of course.....), or G15 is very good too.

hey MR Bush!

Is this the stuff that turns the rust black prior to painting?
Or is something else?

Other than the staining do you think the CLR will cause any more dramas?

Nope - that is Rust Converter, designed to leave the oxide layer on and just paint on top.

The one you need is called either Rust Remover or Rust Dissolver - doesn't leave any residue at all. Check the label to make sure it is phosphoric acid. You should be able to get it at AutoPro, Repco, places like that.

Cool I will check it out.
Given that you said it had phosphuric acid in it. I just tried a 50/50 combo of vinegar and water and it did a pretty good job.
I used my mouse with a nylon scourer on it.
then I wiped it off, and then put wd-40 and the scourer.
I then cleaned it all down, the final wipe down with paper towel.
I then put lanlolin spray on it.

Hi spartan ,

I live in just out side of Bundaberg and where I get my chisels and saw blades sharpen they have this stuff in a little box that they make up their self I don't no what's in it is but it is good and only a few dollars . I use it on all my tools and I don't have any rust build up . With this stuff all you have to do wash and clean the tools with Methylated Spirits and the product you just rub lightly over your tools then with a clean rag you polish it off and help the fence on the table saw slid smooth . If you are interested I can find out if they still make it and if they send to other people . I had this one little box of the product for about 2 years now , still have half left . When I got my table saw from my brother it had a fair bit of rust on the top but I have none there since I use this stuff . Just let me know and I will find out for you the next time I am in town because I live 50 klms out of town .

Cheers Graham

Hi Matador, I'm alwaysinterested in how to stop the dreaded rust.

Would be good to know if the stuff you describe is "safe" from the point of view of finishing - any which contain silicon will cause you grief which should only be referred to in a book.

Having recently bought a cast iron frying pan the pamphlet said if rust occurs wash with coke to remove rust. Havn't tried on the table saw but would be interested to know of it works

Is there any difference between WD40 & RP7 for application on a nylon scourer for cleaning the tablesaw top?

I bought a cheap Ozito orbital sander with a velcro base - the nylon scourer sticks nicely to it, and really reduces the amount of elbow grease required to clean the table of dirt and surface rust

hay jimfish, put a 2 cent coin in a glass of Coca Cola overnight, and you will see how well it cleans the dirt and tarnish from the coin

Hi Bob38S ,

I am pretty sure its safe but I find out for you this Friday when I go to town .
I also find out if it has silicon . I hope it doesn't because the product give the table saw nice smooth finish for the fence to slide very easily . I will get back to you .

Cheers Graham