Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Question on Cast Iron table maintenance?
I have recently acquired a new TS and BS. Nice shiny new tables. My older stuff I have owned for fifty years has dull brown tables that I occasionally clean with a Scotchbright pad and wax. Now I have some brown specks on my new stuff from leaving oak sawdust in place too long. So the question is, does it really matter if the cast iron is bright or is it purely cosmetic?
Re: Question on Cast Iron table maintenance?
It is purely cosmetic. The raw iron surface will oxidize no matter what you do. Wax will make it slick and somewhat inhibit rust, but unless you polish it regularly it will darken with age. Removing sawdust will prevent some stains. The chemicals in treated lumber are particularly bad.
Re: Question on Cast Iron table maintenance?
Nine years ago I got a new SawStop. I regularly cleaned it with steel wool and scotchbrite pads and wax. Ten years later, it looks just like the Delta contractor saw it replac3d, stains and all. The moral is, don’t sweat it.
The Carbon Method
I just saw a couple of YouTubes on a product called the Carbon Method. I'm not endorsing, but it looks interesting. The Wood Whisperer and one other. https://carbonmethod.com/carbon-coating-quick-kit/
Re: The Carbon Method /Thanks all
Thanks Lee and Bruce...I have taken what I thought was reasonable care of my machines over the years but all of them darkened and got some patina over time, sometimes more than fifty years, but I see it as cosmetic and having nothing to do with usefulness or function.
And I have seen several videos on the Carbon Method, but then I saw one where the guy went back a year later and did it again. He applied two or three coats the first time and about six the second time. Just does not seem worth it to me. Tempted...but...no.
I do wish I had bought a spare can of Johnson's paste wax before they stopped making it. I might outlive the one I have.
Embrace it
I like my tools to look like they've been used but well maintained. Shiny new things make me a little uncomfortable, as if the first scratch or ding will make them less valuable. When I see red rust I wipe off what I can and then use a little lemon juice to turn it gray. That way I can tell when new rust shows up and figure out where the moisture came from. I'm in a climate where high humidity is rare so your mileage may vary.
Used tools are old friends. Shiny tools are new acquaintances.
Re: Question on Cast Iron table maintenance?
I don't worry too much about how the table surface looks any more, beer can rings happen. The most important issue for me is, will the wood slide freely? No? Time for a clean & wax. Accidents happen when the feed rate is inconsistent or unpredictable.
Re: The Carbon Method /Thanks all
Good news, Barry. You can buy SC Johnson's paste wax on Amazon for just $125, for real.
Re: Question on Cast Iron table maintenance?
Boeing Aircraft makes a product that they say will prevent rust.
True aerospace technology - T-9 was developed and licensed by global aerospace leader, The Boeing Company, to fill a need for high-performance, long-term metal protection and lubrication. T-9’s unique formulation of solvent carrier and paraffin wax coating was engineered to penetrate crevices deeply, displace moisture, dissolve minor corrosion, and leave a clean, waxy coating with lasting durability - without using Teflon, silicone, fluorocarbons, MEK, or acetone. Cleans - T-9 attacks existing corrosion, loosens rusty parts and flushes out old lubricants. It is also extremely useful for drying wet parts, electrical motors and circuits, ignitions and connectors. Easy, fast and clean lubrication - Spray T-9 on and wipe off the excess for immediate use. T-9 dries to a waxy, waterproof finish without leaving a sticky film to attract dirt, dust or mud. Reaches deeper - T-9 stays liquid long enough to permeate metal crevices and seep deep inside assembled components to leave a durable protective coating that lubricates and protects - all without dismantling your equipment. One step to long-term protection - Apply T-9 to any metal surface and let it dry. One simple step gives you a thin, penetrating film of durable, waterproof protection and lubrication that endures, month after month, or mile after mile. Completely waterproof - T-9 dries to a clean, waxy, waterproof film that won’t wash off in rain, puddles or mud. You can rinse away sand, dust and grime with water, while leaving the lubricant intact. Tough but safe - T-9 will not harm paint, plastic, rubber, fiberglass or vinyl. It can be used on engines, wiring and belts. T-9 is non conductive and will not cause short circuits, so it’s also safe to use on electronics. Perfect for coastal areas - T-9 is particularly effective for use in protecting all metals in salt water coastal areas. Easy to remove - Use solvent or any emulsifying cleaner to remove T-9, or simply respray and allow T-9 to dissolve itself before wiping it off.
Re: The Carbon Method /Thanks all
I’ve had the same can of Minwax finishing wax for thirty years. Same stuff as Johnson’s.
Johnson's Paste Wax........
I'm nearing the end of one can of Johnson's that I bought for $6.29 plus tax........and nearing the time to begin using another as yet un-opened can of Johnson's which some people value at $125.00.......whatever it is......capitalism......greed......runaway inflation.......I'm going to get a chuckle each time I use the new can......
Re: The Carbon Method /Thanks all
Yup, I doubt there's anything magical about Johnson's paste wax, it's just been around a long time.