Although a cast iron table saw is considered an expensive saw system, it can also be affected by rust over time. A rust-free table saw helps to cut wood perfectly, and a rusty saw can damage your workpiece as well as complicate your work. So to get a good performance, you must know how to keep the cast iron table saw from rusting.
In addition to keeping the table saw safe from rust, it is also important to know how to remove rust from it. Your caution in these two matters will extend the life of the table saw. These are all that I have learned from my long experience of using cast iron saws.
However, in this article, you will learn about the simple and most effective process of removing rust from a table saw, and everything related to how to keep it away from rust.
10 Steps To Remove Rust From Cast Iron Table Saw: Use This For Long
There are some approved steps to remove rust from cast iron table saw that are easy and powerful enough. Follow these steps below to help keep your cast iron table saw safe from getting rust:
Step-1: Gather Necessary Equipment
As a first step in removing rust from a cast iron table saw you have to collect some necessary equipment that will help you to get the job done smoothly. Below are the things you’ll need to do this:
- WD-40 or mineral oil
- Scouring pad
- Paste wax
- Clean rags
- Protective gear ( Safety Gloves)
Step-2: Evaluate The Level Of Rust
Determine the depth of rust because surface rust is easy to remove but in the case of deep rust, you have to take a different approach. Deep rust is difficult to clean. This permanently damages the surface and prevents the table saw from becoming smooth again.
So, you need to evaluate the presence of rust and its levels before starting the final rust removal activities. Also, it is important to make sure that the tools you want to start working on are sufficient to remove rust from the table saw.
Step-3: Remove The Accessories From The Table
Things other than what you want to clean up become temporarily unnecessary. As you just want to clean the cast iron table saw rust, you should remove the rest except the necessary tools of the easy moment. Remove things like meter gauges, blades, and fences before you start work.
Start the main step of your work by removing the accessories from the table. You may know that rust causes the table saw to become uneven, so it is crucial to keep the entire space empty for proper cleaning.
Step-4: Remove The Light Dirt And Rust
Cast iron table saw carries rust as well as some dirt which should be cleaned. Also, you should remove first the light dirt or rust on the surface that can be easily loosened. The advantage of this approach is that you no longer have to pay attention to the places where the rust is easily removed and you will understand where more effort is needed.
Now the question is how do you clean light dirt and rust, right? Wash the whole table saw thoroughly with soap and water mixture. You can use a stiff brush to remove rust and dirt with pressure.
Step-5: Wear Safety Gloves
Take some precautionary measures before applying rust remover. It is harmful to come in contact with some rust remover. Some rust removers contain toxins that can cause sores on your skin as soon as they are applied. It is therefore advisable to wear protective gloves before applying any rust remover.
Wear goggles if possible. But how many precautions you should take depends on the chemical remover. For example, when using mineral oil you have to take less protection because it is not so harmful, although effective.
Step-6: Use A Good Rust Remover
Isn’t it better that you apply rust remover on a waterless metal? After cleaning, the table saw should be wiped so that no water droplets are left anywhere. Now apply a good quality rust remover to remove the rust residue. Although there are various options on the market, the application of WD-40 and mineral oil is still recommended.
When using WD-40 or mineral oil you need to apply it sparingly, and make sure that the rusted areas are evenly covered. When applying rust remover, be careful not to get into the motor. Anyways, leave the table until the remover works on it properly.
Step-7: Clean The Rust
When the rust remover is finished working on the table saw, now is the time to remove the rust. Since it requires some pressure to remove rust, you may want to consider using things like steel wool or sandpaper. Steel wool or sandpaper usually causes excess and ugly stains on cast iron products.
A scouring pad is the best solution to this task because rust can be easily removed by rubbing with it and there are no stains. To speed up your work, use a power sander that cleans the whole area very quickly and in a short time.
Step-8: Wipe Table Top Surface
If your scrubbing seems satisfactory, now is the time to remove the loose rust. Use something that will not scratch your table saw to remove rust. Remove these with a clean and soft rag.
After removing the rust, if the appearance of your cast iron table saw does not satisfy you and some rust remains, apply rust remover a few more times and wait a while.
Step-9: Use Of Wax
You certainly don’t want your hard work to fail, that is, the rust of the table saw will come back. It is important to make sure that the table saw is cleaned after going through so many steps so that it does not get rusted easily later. Waxing is a good solution in this case, but you have to be generous in applying it.
Different types of wax are on the market. You should choose a recommended and readily available wax. Most carpenters recommend using Johnson’s Paste Wax, which you can find at nearby hardware stores.
Step-10: Prepare The Table Saw For Further Use
After applying Paste wax well, the table surface and saw will look smooth and clean. Now it is ready to use. Re-attach the open blade to the saw properly and make sure it is stuck properly. Now bring back all the necessary accessories that you had removed from the table.
Although the methods of removing rust from cast iron table saw are simple, it is quite time-consuming. You have to spend a lot of time on this, otherwise, the rust may come back very quickly due to your unconsciousness.
8 Valuable Tips To Keep Cast Iron Table Saw Away From Rust:
All users want to keep their precious table saw away from rusting and looking for some additional tips too. Here are some tips to help you keep your table saw away from rust. These are mentioned below:
Tip-1: There is no guarantee that your cast iron table saw will not rust, so keep it out of contact with moisture as much as possible. If you notice that water particles have accumulated in it, remove it immediately.
Tip-2: Do not place beverages (cup of tea, coffee, or juice) on the table, as they may fall due to careless pushing during work. You may remove it, but it can be frozen somewhere inadvertently causing rust later on.
Tip-3: Clean the table saw after each use. Thoroughly inspect it and make sure there is no dirt, debris, or water left behind.
Tip-4: When the table saw is not in use, cover it with a dust-proof cloth so that no unwanted object can enter the machine. If you need to cover it for a long time, be sure to look for it occasionally.
Tip-5: Avoid using water-based cleaners when cleaning cast iron table saw. Oil cleaners are always preferred in this case.
Tip-6: Be sure to use the last wax to clean both dirt and rust as it works against rust. In addition, after removing the rust, it negates the time of the next rust.
Tip-7: If the table is slightly rusty, remove it at an early stage. Don’t let it darken as you may be able to clean it but the table saw will lose its effectiveness.
Tip-8: A table saw is placed in a well-lit place to facilitate work. Rainwater can come in through open windows, which can cause rust on the table. Make sure it doesn’t get wet.
Related Questions About Keeping Cast Iron Table Saw Away From Rusting:
How Long Does It Take To Dry Wax On A Cast Iron Table Saw?
It needs at least 10 minutes for the wax applied on the cast iron table saw to dry. Regular polishing does not require thickening. Rub the paste wax lightly with a clean cloth to cover all areas of your table saw. Then let it dry.
Make sure to wipe again with a clean cloth in a small effort after it dries. Paste wax polishing is a good solution to prevent rust from cast iron table saw. You can also use a wax polish called Renaissance, but paste wax is best.
How Long Does It Take For WD-40 To Work On A Cast Iron Table Saw?
WD-40 is one of the most common rust removers and the important question in rust removal is how long it takes to work after application. After applying WD-40 to the cast iron table saw, you have to wait at least 15 minutes for it to work well.
Depending on the type of pepper, the time may vary. In this case, you should choose the time according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. If the rust is too thick, you may have to wait a little longer.
How Does T9 Keep Cast Iron Table Saw Safe From Rust?
T9 cast iron table saw is great and the only solution to prevent rust. The specialty of its use is that it will never leave the touch of your table saw. The t9 will keep working like this for almost a lifetime. To prevent rust, spray on the table like t9 amount. You have to wait at least 2 hours for it to work well on the saw.
Keep wiping the table and saw with a clean and dry cloth after the specified time until the t9 is completely gone. Notice how your cast iron table saw and tabletop both shine. It’s not just external, it’s a long-term solution.
Does Mineral Oil Work As WD-40 To Keep Cast Iron Table Saw Rust-free?
This is a valuable question because both WD-40 and mineral oil are recommended as good rust removers. On a cast iron table saw it works just like WD-40 and is less risky. You need to take precautions when working with most rust removers as these are harmful.
Although mineral oil is effective in removing rust, it is not as harmful. You need to apply a small amount of mineral oil to the table saw to cover the whole area. Wait at least 15 minutes after applying mineral oil like WD-40.
Does Vinegar Remove Rust From A Cast Iron Table Saw?
There is no doubt that vinegar works great for removing rust from Cast Iron. But, it is doubtful whether this applies to cast iron table saws. Water-based cleaners are said to be avoided to remove table saw rust. Therefore, vinegar is not suitable for cast iron table saw.
The condition for using vinegar on the table saw is to mix equal amounts of water with it. As vinegar contains water, it is not recommended for use in table settings. It is better not to consider vinegar as a rust remover of cast iron table saw.
How To Protect Cast Iron Table Saw From Rust During Storage?
Your cast iron table saw is probably going to take a long break. Just storing your table saw does not mean that it is fully protected. You must ensure that the table saw is rust and defect-free from the time of storage until the start of work.
No matter where you store the table saw, you have to apply wax to it first. The condition for applying wax, in this case, is that it should only be applied but not polished. Allow to dry after application and store the tool in this way. No worries, no matter how light or heavy the wax is, the wet cloth of mineral spirits will easily remove it.
Which Wax Do You Use On A Cast Iron Table Saw To Keep Rust-Free?
Since there are several types of wax, newcomers often do not understand which one to use. Paste wax is the most widely used wax that woodworkers recommend. The fine coating of paste wax protects your table saw from rust for a longer period.
The reason for recommending the use of paste wax on the table saw is that it is silicone oil-free. This is because it is forbidden to use wax that contains silicone oil. These types of waxes are also long-lasting but can be difficult to remove later.
Can You Use Turtle Wax On A Cast Iron Table Saw To Prevent Rust?
According to many, Turtle wax is good to use in cast iron table saw, and it gives a good coat to your table. You probably know that cast iron saws allow the use of wax that does not contain silicone oil. But Turtle is a wax with silicone oil.
Turtle wax can damage your wood when cutting. It can also cause problems later in wood finishing. So even though this wax is well-known to many, it is not allowed to be used on cast iron table saws.
What Is the Best Time To Wax Cast Table Saw To Keep Away From Rust?
There is no set time for waxing your cast iron table saw as it depends on certain matters. Similarly, there is no real answer as to when your table saw should be cleaned as it depends on the use. Generally, the more frequently you use it, the more care you will need.
If there is any debris left on the table after your work or if it has been in contact with water for a long time, it can be damaged by both dirt and rust. So after every work, even when you want to store it for a while, you have to use wax.
Final Words
Keeping a cast iron table saw rust-free is important if you expect it to have a long life. To get better performance, make sure that it is always rust-free and in good condition. So, you should know the steps to keep cast iron Table Saw away from rusting which has been mentioned in this article.
Regular cleaning and waxing are sufficient to prevent rust but an approved rust remover and wax should be applied. Above all, a rust-free table saw will boost your confidence.
