Cast Iron Wax

[Mowgli]

You won't get out pitting without a Blanchard grinder.
Don't try with sandpaper, you'll only make a flat surface not flat.
Like Carlos said, staining doesn't matter.

I shave the surface rust off with single edged razor blades in a holder.
Don't be cheap with the blades or you'll gouge the surface. Careful. Careful.
Then use a grey scotchbright cut to the size/shape of my random orbital sander.
Get the surface clean with mineral spirits then get all the minspir off with cotton (cut t-shirt type bag-o-rags at HD for $10).
Then bowling alley wax, I think it's butcher's wax, I'll check.
Someone already said "Don't let the wax dry" <--important.
Don't ever use car wax, it'll stain the wood.

http://wiki.owwm.com/RestorationGuid...ble_Surfaces_7
http://wiki.owwm.com/RestorationGuide.ashx
BTW - That's the oldest know Unisaw in existance at the top/bottom of that resto page.

Here's a Boice-Crane jointer getting restored.
Yep, old arn is addictive.

[RAFlorida]

Could not sleep, gotta headache.

Then I see the pic Mowgli posted and lmao! Oh my head hurts. Draggin' a line...

[LCHIEN]

i had to look at that picture three times before I got it,
LMAO now, Mowgli.

[KomaToast]

On new cast iron tools I use the Boeshield T-9, let it soak in over night and wipe it off the next day.
I did that to a new drill press and the vice over two years ago and have used it plenty with no rust to date on the table or vice.
That was the only time I have ever treated it and it's still rust free.
The only part that has a small hint of rust stain is the upright steel post where I place my thumb when I loosen the table clamp lever.

Sears sells the Boeshield T-9 bundled with a bottle of Rust Free that removes rust.
I haven't used that on a rusted cast iron table so I can't say how it works there.
It smells like a mild muriatic acid blend and did well on steel hand tools.

The Boeshield T-9 has done well for over 2 years with only one application and plenty of use during those hot humid north Texas days when I too drip all over the everything I work with.

Keith

[pelligrini]

Sears sells the Boeshield T-9 bundled with a bottle of Rust Free that removes rust.
I haven't used that on a rusted cast iron table so I can't say how it works there.
It smells like a mild muriatic acid blend and did well on steel hand tools.

I picked up a T-9 small bottle set from Woodcraft a while back, it also included a pitch remover that I use quite a bit too. I didn't like their rust remover. I tried it out on an old rust covered jointer. It discolored the iron like naval jelly will leaving a greyish haze.