Cleaning a cast iron table top

[Greg in Maryland]

Hi

I recently picked up a Ridgid TS3650 table saw and need to clean the cast iron top and extension wings. The rust and stains are relatively minor and I am not looking for perfection, so heavy duty cleaning isn't something I need.

I have read that using WD-40 and a random orbital sander will do the trick.

Is this a reasonable approach? If so, what grit sandpaper to use? Lastly, will this trash my sander?

Thanks in advance.

Greg

[gsmittle]

You might try a green Scotch-Brite pad and a lot of elbow grease with the WD-40. That way you don't risk the ROS.

Work your way up to something like a white pad and make sure to remove allllll the WD-40 each time you change grits.

Then wash the top with something like mineral spirits before waxing or using Boeshield.

Keep in mind I have exactly one CI topped machine in my shop, and it was new when I got it, so I could be all wrong here.

g.

[cwsmith]

I'd go with the WD40 and green Scotch-Brite, as previously suggested. The top, as you have described it, should not require an undo amount of effort with with the Scotch-brite.

Good luck,

CWS

[toolguy1000]

you can use wd40, but topsaver and the same scotch brite pad (rough one forst, than a finer grade) works better. here are the before and after pics of my band saw. the after pic used elbow grease and topsaver with course and fine scotch brite pads. the top was so rusty i had to use wd40 and a tapping block and hammer to remove the miter gauge from the miter slot. once the rust is removed, wax liberally with a paste wax (no car wax). once cleaned and waxed, keep the top covered with a blanket, piece of masonite or plywood, a sheet, almost anyhting and it will greatly reduce the recurrence of rust.