Thread: Waxing the ways

Peter, I just clean mine when the toolrest gives me a bit of gaf... and that's probably not more than once a month.

[I got out on the weekend and cleaned a bit of rust off the lathe ways and then waxed with Carnauba wax. My question now id how often should I redo the wax to try and avoid getting rust in the future? I know it will depend on environment and usage etc, but just a general ballpark on what works for people would be helpful.

Peter,

In Brisbane if your near the sea, probably weekly. In Sydney I have yet to do so in a couple of years,locality is important

But I would use something a little cheaper than Carnauba wax, keep it for the turnings.

Try WD40, Inox, Lanoguard or any light oil that is not sticky.

I used Carnauba wax because I did the table saw and jointer at the same time, and didn't want to use something that could leave an oily residue on timber that goes across those tables. Is that correct thinking, or does Inox and it's ilk work on those as well?

Thanks

Peter

I use Ubeaut's Traditional wax, easy to apply.

Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers

I use Ubeaut's Traditional wax, easy to apply.

Same here, it gets used on the tablesaw, thicknesser, jointer, bandsaw, lathe, you name it.
Great stuff!!!!!

For Cliff and Big Shed - how often do you do it?

Thanks

Getting a bit personal, aren't we

Basically whenever I think it is appropriate, also depending on use of the various machines. It seems to last a fair while. The lathe and tablesaw are done more frequently, I always do the bandsaw just before doing some resawing.

Not often, when it looks like it needs it our when I'm standing nearby with wax on a rag.
I do my turning tools when I'm having a big sharpening session, I don't bother if I have just given one a touch up.

` whats that stuff you use ?

I'm also sponsors product nat wax user. TS/router wing gets it about every 2 months. The Jointer/Thicknesser sits outside under a BBQ cover on the veranda gets it about once a month depending on use. Haven't had the lathe long enough to establish a patter but probably same as the TS. DP gets covered in metal cooling lube so I feel less likely to use it at all on that.

Originally Posted by rodent

` whats that stuff you use ?

I never wax the bed of the lathe. Tailstocks can slip.

I generally wipe down with thinners, spray with WD40 or similar and then wipe off.

I do this when needed. Mainly when I have to move the tailstock back.

All my other machines have their tables done with Silverglide.

And yes, I live 500 metres from the sea and have very lfew problems with rust.

I like to use 000 or 0000 steel wool and paste floor wax, Johnson's or anything called Bowling Alley wax (been a long time since I have seen a pin boy waxing lanes by hand) I have a chunk of steel wool that lives in an older can of wax, pop the lid, swab it down, let it dry, polish it with a towel....I do this at 6 week intervals of so....a little more often when I turn something real wet that piles up on the bed. No tailstock slippage to speak of.....