I second the post that Moose made about skipping the silicone products..
Myself, for keeping rust under control and for keeping a slick top, I use a product called 'Slip It'] and I love it..
http://slipit.com/home.htmlIt comes in a paste and spray liquid form (I use the paste on all my cast iron)...
Be sure you get the stuff in the GREEN cans, and not the BLUE.. The blue has silicone in it..
I use it on just about anything that needs protection or lubrication. The quart that I picked up over 2 years ago, is about half gone now.. A little bit goes a LONG way.. and it will not affect your wood finish or stain.
As for the rust removal, I've had good luck with a product called 'Top Saver'..
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10697&filter=rust%20removerThe 'kit' in the link above isn't necessary as long as you have some rags, gloves and a few scotch-bright pads kicking around...
Hope this helps some...
Ez