Cleaning table saw top

[Thomas E Allen]

Hi my name is Tommy and I am just getting started in wood working.I bought a used table saw and the top has some rust on it .can anyone tell me how I can clean this off and if i need any specific chemical could you advise where i could buy it . Thanks for any help

[Ken Darga]

RUST REMOVAL:

Remove the excess "dry" rust build-up from the surface, using a razor blade and stiff metal scraper.

Use the "green" synthetic "Scotch-Brite" Heavy-Duty scouring pads" and WD40.

Apply the WD40 to the rust spots---allow to set 10-15 minutes, so as to allow the penetrant to soak-in,  and scrub away.

Keep the area wetted during the scrubbing operation.

Use a paper towel to mop-up the "rust" colored fluid, during the scrubbing operation---

reapply the WD40, to keep the area wetted and continue scrubbing.

This process may take awhile, depending how much rust build-up has occurred.

The rust may have pitted into the cast-iron material, and will take continual scrubbing.

After the surface is cleaned, to your satisfaction, clean the surfaces) with Mineral Spirits, allow to dry and apply a "finishing paste wax".

PS---this process can also be used to clean-up other tools, made of iron.

Scouring pads are available in various grades:

Green---Coarse

Brown---Medium

Grey---Light

White---fine/xtra-fine

[Leslee]

I used a scouring pad and a bottle of coke to clean the rust off of my old table saw. I scrubbed it down and rinsed the coke off the table deck and found a beautiful medal table. I scrubbed the whole table saw deck down with coke and then rinsed it with water and dried it really good with an old clean rag and then sprayed it with a rust protector and then dried that and then put some turtle wax on it. My old saw lasted until the key way gave out on keeping the pulley tight on the shaft that it was on to hold the belt tight. I could saw boards and it was gliding like butter.

[Thomas E Allen]

Thank you for the help. I will try this. I have seen some sprays but they are very pricey. I would not mind  buying them  but i do not no if they realy work.  Thanks again for your time and info.

[Ken Darga]

Thomas,

Avoid using caustic materials that are sprayed-on.

[Jes Coch]

Barkeepers Friend - I use it on all my rusted items, used it on some old 'O' train tracks cleaned them right up - used it on rust stains on my house - amazing stuff.

[tom coleman]

I have had great success with a powder called bartenders friend which you should find in local supermarket. Mix w a little water to form a slurry and then rub it across rusty table top, I then use a an orbital sander w 150 grit disc and really work that slurry on the rust spots..............then wipe clean with paper towels and buff w old tee shirt. The wax w Johnsonsons paste wax and buff

[Thomas E Allen]

Thank you I will Try this week.