Cleaning old finish off lathe bed.

Solvent & Sandpaper

Rodney Jenkins

>after scrapping really thick buildup, if any, with a scrapper (hard plastic or block of wood, maybe).

The solvent should be the thinner for whatever type paint you're removing (mineral spirits for most, denatured alcohol for shellac, lacquer thinner for... you get the picture).

220 grit wet/dry sandpaper is what I use started with. Progress through 600 grit and you'll get a pretty nice finish. Be sure to wipe off each grit with a CLEAN paper towel before advancing to the next grit.

If you have rust to remove, I'd suggest using WD40 through 600 grit, then Naptha or MS to remove the oil.

Finish with your favorite top coat immediately after drying the last clean-up step.

Just did this for a scroll saw that had been sitting neglected in the corner for several years.

My $.02.

Re: Solvent & Sandpaper

John Lucas

>Rodneys .02 worth is great. I would only add that you can test whatever solvent your using on a non conspicious place of the lathe to make sure it won't disolve the lathe paint.

Re: Solvent & Sandpaper

Don Henthorn

>Good point, John. I have the little Jet 1014 and the other day I sprayed on some Deet mesquito repellent to keep the little stickers off me. Later, I happened to lay my arm on the head stock of the little lathe. The next day I was surprised to find the head stock a little sticky. A couple of days later the headstock was a little discolored so I thought I would take some thinner and clean the stickiness off. Mineral spirits made no difference. The stickiness was gone but the disoloration was still there. I tried a little alcohol and after a couple of wipes the dark began showing through where the white paint was coming off. I gave that up very quickly. I was surprised at how easily alcohol took off the Jet paint.