cast iron

[thestinker]

I got a band saw last night but there is some rust on the cast table. I am guessing that 0000 steel wool will take it off, but how to I keep it off. Will johnsons paste work or do I need something else. Also is there something better than steel wool to remove the rust. There is quite a bit of it, but for a free 14" band saw I can deal with some rust.

Riley

[scorrpio]

This direct from latest 'Workbench' Q&A section:

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To get rid of rust, try a Rust Free from Boeshield (boeshield.com). Just spray it on the rusted surface, let it soak for a few moments, and then wipe the rust away with a rag or abrasive pad. Repeat the process if necessary.
Now is also a good time to get rid of any scratches in the surface. You can do this easily with a random-orbit sander and 220-grit sandpaper.
Next, coat the bare cast iron with a rust inhibitor. My favorite is T-9 spray, also from Boeshield. To show how well it works, I sprayed a coat on half of cast-iron wing from a table saw, set it outside, and misted the entire surface with water. The unprotected half rusted in about 3 hours, while the coated side stayed clean.
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[LarryG]

I use the Boeshield products on all my arn. Good stuff. Only problem is ... remember when you were in elementary school, and somebody barfed in the hallway, and the custodian came and cleaned it up? That's what the T-9 spray smells like.

I've been using WD-40, Scotch-Brite pads, and lotsa elbow grease to remove surface rust. Never thought of using my random-orbit sander. Duh.

[Ken Massingale]

I had my BS in front of an AC unit this past summer and it rusted bad almost overnight. I used WD40 to wet sand it's table with an ROS/220 grit, then moved up to 320 and 400, followed by 0000 wool. The table came out great.
As for protection, I am on the fence. I tried Boeshield on the Ridgid tablesaw 2 or 3 times and just don't like the way it 'feels'. It's not as slick to me as Johnsons Paste Wax. So, my $16 can of Boeshield is a decoration on a shelf for now, and I am sticking to Johnsons for protection.
Ken

[LCHIEN]

Boeshield T-9 came out super highly recommended by Wood magazine in a shootout test a few months back as by far and away the best rust inhibitor.

[thestinker]

Does HD sell that T-9, or is the web the only place to get it?

[thestinker]

Nevermind...available at Sears.

[Knottscott]

quote:Originally posted by thestinker

Does HD sell that T-9, or is the web the only place to get it?

I don't think HD has it. You'd do better at wwing specialty stores like Woodcraft, Rockler, Hartville, Price Cutter etc....

[thestinker]

man....that stuff works great. The top was real rusted, had some paint dribbled on it and was in general pretty bad shape as far as being slick and ready for wood. But some 150 grit...the rust removal stuff, some 400 grit and more rust removal stuff, and toping off with the protectant can and it is ready to go. Thanks for the advice fellas!!!!

Riley

[drumpriest]

One more vote for Boesheild. You can get it at Rockler or Woodcraft for sure. Question though, how often do you all reapply??

[monte]

quote:Originally posted by drumpriest

One more vote for Boesheild. You can get it at Rockler or Woodcraft for sure. Question though, how often do you all reapply??

The frequency of application depends on how much you use the saw. I use Johnson's on my saw and reapply it every other week as I use my table saw a lot (every day).