CAST IRON TABLES

[daveo]

HI ALL
What does everyone use to polish cast iron tables, I have just  bought a second hand machine and its in need of a good polish.
Please if replying from outside the UK please give a description of the product as a brand name might not(probably not )be available here
thanks
Dave

[Toneman]

I use WD40  and very fine sand paper to get all the rust and then wipe clean with a soft rag sprayed with WD40. I make sure it is good and clean and dry and then apply a coat of Johnson car paste wax and rub in circles and let it dry for about a minute and wipe with a clean cloth. I am sure there are other ways to clean and protect the table and may even be better. This is just what I do.

Tony,aka,Toneman

[BilltheDiver]

Depends on how bad it is.  There are many products out there.  Sanding works great to, but stay away from anything with silicone in it.  Silicone can cause fisheye in some finishes.  I use Boshield T-9 as a protectant after cleaning.  It's a bit pricey per can, but lasts a long time.

[EIEIO]

Paste wax once it's clean and smooth. Re-do it when it feels rough or when the weather would make it damp.

[termite]

 i put formica on my 788. no more problems

[Graywolf]

My daughter gave me my Delta saw, from the factory she works at. The table was solid rust. I used WD40 and let it set over night. The next morning I wiped it off and did it again. The next day when I wiped it off the rust was gone. I then use past wax on it and it works fine. I past wax it every month or so to keep the table in shape.

[countryscroller]

Another option is a product called Penetrol by a company called Flood. It is used as a paint conditioner, but it can prevent rust. Just read the rust prevention directions on the back. It has worked great for me. I put a coat on my scroll saw, band saw, and oscillating spindle sander surface so far. It creates a clear film that hardens over the table top and it doesn't rust. It has been a few months since I applied it and still no rust. I use propane heat and my shop gets very humid in the summer, still no sign of rust on the surfaces treated. I am happy with it.

[Jim Finn]

In case you cannot get WD-40 its primary ingredient is fish oil.