How best way to revitalize table

[igadavis]

I am excited. I am relatively new to scroll sawing and have been working with a single speed Craftsman 16" saw. This weekend I found a Hegner Multimax 22V at a garage sale. The table is a bit pitted on one side, but not right by the blade area and the blade clamps were frozen and could not be moved by hand, but the machine looked pretty clean on worked well. I was able to get it for $200 and figured I could get new clamps if need be, but I have gotten them loosened up and working. My question is how best to revitalize the table? Should I sand the entire table? Just the effected area and keep it well waxed? How do you recommend sanding a table?

Can't wait to use it which I will be doing today even with the table as it is, it is not that bad.
Thanks for your help.

John

[Len]

Hi I have not done a scroll saw table but have done my table saw I start by removing all dust and then sanding with 400 grit sand paper and wipe that off then I spray a light oil on the table wd-40 is what i used and sand it with 600 grit,then clean it all with mine then use mineral spirites or paint thinner to remove all the oil.clean with a clean soft cloth, when it is ready coat with a good paste wax,I use TREWAX I cannot get Johnsons paste wax in Canada or I woud use that

[dgman]

Hey John Len has given excellent advice and that is what I would do. Just make sure you use a wax that does not contain silicone. The silicone will transfer to the wood and cause finishing problems.

P.S., Congratulations on the new to you saw!

[tux_linux]

John, please take a photo of that table as it is.

The saw is nice, I have one since some weeks now and have been convinced totally to the quality of the Hegners. I always thought the prices are to high - now I know it's worth every penny. Read about my modifications on the saw, that makes it a even better toy tool 

[Intarsia92]

Congratulations John, You got yourself an excellent saw at a great price!!  I had the Hegner 22V for about three years and loved it.  Just wax the table occasionally, after following Len's instructions, and you'll get many years of enjoyable cutting. 

[Gabby]

What wasn't mentioned, is don't just sand in one place if you want the table to stay good and flat. I'd use an orbital or vibratory sander and KEEP it moving
If the pits are deep you're not going to get them all out by sanding. If it is really bad the only way is to have a machinist mill it true again.
My nickles worth!
Good luck,
Gabby

[tux_linux]

Gabby, I think he will not have that impact on the table if he sands it by hand.

@ John
But I'd like to see pictures of that saw table.

[julief]

Congratulations on your new-to-you saw.  Len hit the nail on the head.  Happy sawdust.

[Gabby]

Gabby, I think he will not have that impact on the table if he sands it by hand.

@ John
But I'd like to see pictures of that saw table.

That's true it would take a lot of sanding by hand!
Arm would give out first. 
G

[igadavis]

Sorry I did not get back to you all earlier, but work got in the way.

Thank you all for your input. I have the material and will follow Len's instructions.

I tried to attach a photo but it was to large and I was having trouble getting it down sized. The photo shows some heavy pitting on one side. I think if I give it a good sanding and waxing it will work fine. I will not get all the pitting out, but if I keep it waxed the wood should slide over it and not cause a problem.

Thanks again, you are a great group.
John

[Gabby]

I know this starving machinist who is going to be really disappointed, told him I had a suc, um
customer for him. 
Glad you got it worked out!
Gabby