Thread: Tablesaw maintenance

Hi Dan. Assuming that the tablesaw is new and cast iron is in good condition I have used a WD40 product that is called PTFE. It's a non silicone spray that you just apply, let sit for a couple of minutes and then rub in/off.

WD-40 Specialist 150g Anti Friction Dry PTFE Lubricant | Bunnings Warehouse

Here's what i've used all with good success but you'll need to reapply regularly depending on how often you use your saw as it'll rub off.

- WD40
- Silverglide
- Polyurethane
- Camellia oil
- Candle wax
- automotive wax

If it has any rust on it already, best remove it first before applying any of the above finishes.

I use WD40 to scrub rust off then any wax polish as long as it does not have silicone in it. Prevention is better than cure so keeping it swept down after use is a good habit to get into as wood dust attracts moisture and if left can start rust spots. A cloth drop sheet (Not plastic) over it when not in use also helps.
Regards
John

I'm a big fan of Silbergleit. (Silverglide)

It's not sold as a rust preventative and makes no claims as such... but in my last shed (in Katoomba) where metal surfaces almost literally rusted overnight, the surfaces of the machines on which I'd applied Silbergleit survived much better, even compared to other surfaces I'd treated with WD-40, CRC or other alleged preventative measures.

Expensive, but the can I have will see me out for the rest of my days... and IMO it is the best lubricant for TS, jointers & thicknesser tables.

As has already been said, you need a rust free table to start with.

Thanks all for the good advice. Think i am edging towards Silverglide as have heard and read some good things about it.

Also, when i initially receive the saw, if there is any grease/oil on it, would you recommend mineral turps to wash that off before then applying the polish?

Originally Posted by duncada

Thanks all for the good advice. Think i am edging towards Silverglide as have heard and read some good things about it.

Also, when i initially receive the saw, if there is any grease/oil on it, would you recommend mineral turps to wash that off before then applying the polish?

Turps. kero, meths, WD-40 will all work to get the travel goop off the saw. I use Silbergleit on my saw but as it's expensive I usually clean it first with WD-40 and a green nylon kitchen scourer so as to minimise the amount of Silbergleit needed. If I have more stubborn rust and or stains on the top I use 1200 grit wet and dry. Like the poster above I can get rust virtually overnight where I am if I don't stay on top of maintenance.

Put it out in the sun to warm the steel, then rub in Johnson floor paste wax, let it soak into the steel, then burnish it off and put the silverglide over that

Originally Posted by riverbuilder

Put it out in the sun to warm the steel, then rub in Johnson floor paste wax, let it soak into the steel, then burnish it off and put the silverglide over that

I haven't seen any Johnson paste wax on Australian shelves for quite a number of years now. There are a couple of listings on ebay from USA sellers.

Originally Posted by Fuzzie

I haven't seen any Johnson paste wax on Australian shelves for quite a number of years now. There are a couple of listings on ebay from USA sellers.

Yes, that’s where my uncle gets it from, then passes it onto me. Great stuff we have a tin from the 1950’s still somewhere.