Removing Rust and Protecting a Cast Iron Table Saw Top

I had some rust on the cast iront top of my table saw, so I removed the rust and waxed my table top. This video shows how I did it.
Video Game Clip is from "Hollow Knight"
All Products featured in my videos: thenewbiewoodworker.com/produ...
Products featured in this video:
WD-40 Non-Aerosol Spray: amzn.to/2uVTbsO
Scotch-Brite 7448 Pads: amzn.to/39CFJJH
Scott Shop Towels (12 rolls): amzn.to/2PPC0At
Denatured Alcohol: amzn.to/3aGVxv5
Johnson's Paste Wax: amzn.to/2vyNmC6
Boeshield T-9: amzn.to/38rphdI
Bostik GlideCote (Top-Cote): amzn.to/2TIWewH

[@robm7543]

Some of us newbies get a used cast iron saw, I did. I'm going to try this, thanks for passing the info on!

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

You're welcome. I hope it helps! 😄

[@Gilsao_1964]

Thanks a million for this video. I have a band saw with cast iron top and now I know how to treat the chronicle rust problem. Best wishes.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Awesome! Glad I could help. 😄

[@austinstubblefield9907]

Simple and straight to the point. And ACCURATE! Great video.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks! 😄

[@lanceroberts5488]

Always enjoy your humor and down to earth instruction; I look forward to more...Thank you!!!

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks! 😄

[@kariolar3158]

I learn so much for you, you need to keep doing videos. You are really good at it.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks! Don't worry, I'm not stopping. 😄

[@geef0813]

This was perfect. Just upgraded my 8 1/2 “ dewalt contractors saw because I was able to buy a floor model delta 10” that had some surface rust. Picked it up for a steal. Just need to clean it off! Thanks for the tips.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Awesome! Glad I could help. 😄

[@rickzetina1419]

thanks for that. getting a new saw soon with a cast iron top. nice to know the little tricks ahead of time.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Awesome! Glad I could help. 😄

[@georgequalls5043]

Thanks again, Dad. I’ve used Johnson’s wax for several years and it holds up pretty well.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks, and you're welcome! 😄

[@karl7feet]

Exactly what I do and it works great (just manually without the polisher). Great video!

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks! 😄

[@petemcclean468]

Great video and sense of humor.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks! 🙂

[@denniswhite166]

I have to do this to my used 18" scroll saw I just got. Glad I came across this video while scrolling through your videos.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Glad I could help! 😄

[@JoseAndrade-ic7er]

Thank you, I removed the rust off my rockler router table. Very helpful.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Awesome, glad I could help!

[@lauramarshall6376]

Thanks. Time to clean up my new old bandsaw. Got a steal of a deal.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Awesome - have fun! 😄

[@harrydavis6903]

Thanks, I learned and laughed. Keep-em coming, friend.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks, and I will. 😄

[@sapelesteve]

Well done! I actually laughed & learned a thing or two about how to clean a table saw top.. 👍👍😂😂

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks! 😄

[@elfpimp1]

I got a free 70's Craftsman table saw a few years back. The guy kept it outside. So I did same. Keep it covered when not used. I maintain the iron top with wd-40 like you then use a brass wire wheel to do the tracks. Once done I spray with silicone and wipe down. Four years later and that damn thing is still running like a beast! 😁👍

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Wow! That's an amazing story. I doubt anything made today would still be working that long. 😏

[@rico1234ify]

very very very useful . thanks alot . i was looking for it .

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Awesome! Glad I could help. 😄

[@carloantonioj]

I really enjoyed your video. Thanks!

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Awesome! Glad I could help. 😄

[@0thers1d3]

Literally love your channel...

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks! That means a lot! 😄

[@colrodrick8784]

Thanks Dan. Reminds me that I have rust coming back on my old table saw top. When I got it from my father in law (happy birthday Max) it hadn’t been used for many years and was deeply rust affected. It was one of those Triton work mate series painted orange. I used an angle grinder because it was so deep- no nice flat surfaces- more like the moon. Ave a nice day mate. And very sad puns. You must be working hard to find them lol

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks, Col. Good luck with that saw. And sorry to say, but the puns come way too easily to me. I grew up with them. 😄

[@colrodrick8784]

The Newbie Woodworker yeah my kids both now married still carry the heavy weight of the Rodrick joke burden Whenever we get together their partners and my wife all cringe That’s why your puns resonate so well cheers Col

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

@@colrodrick8784 Sounds just like my family! 😄

[@bojakcates2817]

the puns were slick. well done sir!

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Oh, good one! 😂And thanks. 😄

[@digoulm]

Even as I don't have a cast iron top at my table saw I still enjoyed your video 👍😁

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks, Dieter! 😄

[@rudymunoz901]

Me too 😀

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

@@rudymunoz901 👍

[@hunterdogztc]

I actually apply paste wax to the plastic laminate extension on my table say as well as the cast iron surface. I have found that there is no need to mask off this area. Both surfaces are enhanced and both benefit from the wax application. NIce video BTW.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks! I didn't think about plastic extensions, but yeah, that would work just fine. My extension is wood, so it makes a difference. 😄

[@tpobrienjr]

Good video, bad puns. Bad puns. Last week I cleaned and waxed the table saw top in a shared workshop. It really improved our handling of sheet goods, said the crew.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Cool!

[@jeanine6492]

Great tips, thanks!

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks, and you're quite welcome! 😄

[@zavoina]

I admit, I was "bored" but you "brightened" my day as you "cut up." You had me at "scotch" even though you couldn't find the alcohol. I "saw" What you Did as you gave that table 40 strokes. Good work.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😂 Scotch and alcohol - how did I not see that? I guess I'm just not sharp enough. 😛

[@ericeinsmann5559]

I really took a "shine" to this video.. Subscribed..

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😂 Thanks, and welcome aboard! 😄

[@sledgeHammerRulez]

this makes me smile :p good ending!

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks! We all need a laugh. 😄

[@MichaelDavis-dj7xc]

Good Job Pal

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks! 😄

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

I think you are dun with the puns!🤣🛫 It is nice to see you back!

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😂Thanks - More to come soon, I hope. 😄

[@mikeoneill5456]

Quite a well paste video - thanks.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks! 😄

[@larrymudgett4433]

very help full thanks 👍

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Awesome! Glad I could help. 🙂

[@snuffy467]

I was on the FENCE about watching this video, but then I SAW what you did there. Your videos are a CUT above the rest. Had I missed this video, I MITER not known how to do this!

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Glad to know I gave you something you could sink your teeth into. 😂

[@giorgioclavelli1757]

Smooth video!!

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Good one! Thanks. 😂

[@theminnesotan]

Nice job! Just subscribed.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks, and welcome aboard! 😄

[@David-hm9ic]

Missed this one when it came out. I live on the Gulf Coast where it's humid about 360 days a year. About once a year I clean my bare cast iron with mineral spirits to get the last coatings off. After that, it gets a treatment with Boeshield T-9 per the instructions and then Johnson's Paste Wax as you describe. So far no rust has appeared with this regimen.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

That's awesome that it keeps the rust off, even in that environment. Thanks for sharing (and I mean that, even though it sounds trite when I reread it 😂)

[@lowrider130]

Loved the puns!

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks! 😄

[@andrewbieger5004]

Nice job. I don't have a Sawstop, but I assume the final finish (machining) on that iron top is both very fine and done in a front to back line. My old Delta has more of a circular pattern, and certainly a bit 'less polished', so my random orbit sander is employed for the rust removal. Still using similar Scotch brite pads, though.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Personally I don't notice any finish pattern on the top at all. But I tried a swirling motion, and it looked like crap. But I hadn't thought about the possibility that that's only because of the SawStop's type of top, which I swear isn't as hard as it should be. Wish I had mentioned that "your mileage may vary". 😛

[@rwind656]

We've had our saw for several decades, but that doesn't mean I knew all the ins and outs of how to clean it. Or the cast iron on the drill press. I am a newbie table saw user. I might have made some of the mistakes you point out. Thanks for the info!

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

I suspect with an older saw, there's less issues with the direction you scrub the top - I *think* cast iron hardens more over time. So that part may not matter. But glad I could help! 😄

[@vrocv6411]

Newbie that picked up a working 1987 grizzly cast iron 1022 for $125. Cant wait to get it cleaned tuned and ready to go

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Good luck! 😄

[@LiloUkulele]

Paste wax is great for weekly maintenance. For long term storage (over the winter) especially in moist or humid conditions Cosmoline is top of the line; spec'd by the military for weapon storage. I have paste waxed my jointer, wrapped it in a moving blanket then a plastic tarp, come back in the spring and the table is covered in rust. Most equipment manufacturers will coat their equipment in something like Cosmoline prior to packaging and shipping. A bit of a pitb to remove but guaranteed to prevent rust.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks for the info! 👍

[@spdunktube]

I wasn't sure how many times you were going to apply the wax - definitely is a SLIPPER SLOPE type of decision and knowing when to stop! I am looking to rework a Sears Craftsman table saw and your video came up for cleaning the table top. Sure miss seeing your videos - hope you are doing well. I like them all!

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😂 Yes, I'm doing well. Thanks for asking!

[@Spardyman]

Lol, I wasn't expecting Hollow Knight when I clicked on this.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😂I seriously don't think I'll ever defeat Nightmare King Grimm. But I won't stop trying, at least not for a while.

[@mitchellmanning7887]

Thanks for sharing

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

You're welcome! 😄

[@BaoNguyen-un1km]

Wow i didn't know you can put more than a single coat of wax. Thanks learn something new today

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Honestly, I've heard people swear that if you don't put on at least 3 coats, you're not doing it right. I have no idea how accurate that is, though. Anyway, glad I could help! 😄

[@davezak5870]

@@TheNewbieWoodworker Many experts including Nick Engler say that wax doesn't stick to itself well. When you put down a coat and then buff it out, it ends up extremely thin. If you add 4 more coats and buff them out, you end up with the same thickness as one coat, so additional coats are a waste.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

@@davezak5870 OK, thanks for the tip. Two coats has worked well for me, meaning I don't get rust, so that's good enough for me. If you live in a different climate, then maybe more is needed.

[@bradbailey3304]

Got me laughing pretty good on that one Nice job 👍

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks - glad I could brighten your day. 😄Hey wait, that's another pun I should have used!

[@311mdub]

This video was really slick! I loved how you cut through the crap, but I did notice you’re a little rusty on the polishing technique, I’m sure you could cut down on your polishing times via tips and tricks mentioned on KZbin

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks! And yes, I'm sure you're right - the next time I do it, I'll check out some videos first. 🙂

[@ubiratanoliveira692]

Muito espirituoso. Parabéns.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

👍

[@basementbrew]

I was horrified to see a few rusty spots on my new cabinet saw. I live in a hot and humid region and sweat from my forearm left its mark :( After three passes with WD40 and 400 grit it shines like a mirror. It’s now covered in wax. Thanks for sharing the process.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

It's amazing how bad sweat is for the cast iron! I was shocked when I saw what it did to my saw. 😮Anyway, glad I could help. 😄

[@AndricLibreSinn]

I wonder if I can use this method for my welding table. I really like the idea of waxing the table top to maintain it.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Only one way to find out!

[@HWPcville]

I have a newly acquired Craftsman cast iron tabletop saw which needs help. I've watched your blade alignment video and plan to put it to use tomorrow. The top is rusted so I'll be sanding and polishing it too. I'm curious about the paste wax coating. Does it "scuff" with use or wear off? With light use how long should I expect it to last? (months, a year, years?) Thanks for posting.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Good luck with the rust removal. 🙂 How long paste wax lasts depends on all sorts of factors, some of which elude me. 🙄 But generally, it should probably last months, depending on how often you use the saw. For me, I just keep an eye on things and see if there's any rust-like discoloration anywhere. Not sure if that's the best thing to do, though, since this is my first cast iron top, so take that with a huge grain of salt.

[@davezak5870]

Many experts including Nick Engler say that wax doesn't stick to itself well. When you put down a coat and then buff it out, it ends up extremely thin. If you add 4 more coats and buff them out, you end up with the same thickness as one coat, so additional coats are a waste.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

I replied to your other comment, but I'll cut and paste here. Two coats has worked well for me, meaning I don't get rust, so that's good enough for me. If you live in a different climate, then maybe more is needed.

[@stevegetswood9799]

So...what do you think of that Wen buffer? :D Those Scott towels are also great for seasoning cast iron skillets. They don't start falling apart and leaving parts of itself behind.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

LOL, like I said, it's a piece of crap, even though I normally like Wen products. Good to know about the cast iron skillet, thanks!

[@TotoGuy-Original]

i have never seen a spray version of WD40 like that before i guess we just dont have it in the uk. these days i usually buy it in a gallon bottle and they supply an empty spray bottle. i stopped using the aerosol because the gas would run out way before it was empty. and also i find the spray bottle is better for EVERYTHING! you get lots more coverage even just using it for rusty bolts.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

I hadn't seen the spray bottle before either, until someone mentioned it. And I agree that it's much better!

[@Bill.L.Carroll]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Nice one mate 👍🏽 Love it.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks! 😄

[@peterohmart5954]

Hello, my name is Peter. I have an old saw that was not taken care of and I wondered if you had ideas on how to fix a rusted top, not like yours which was more preventative maintenance? Thank you

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Not really. I'm sure there are some videos on that subject somewhere. Good luck!

[@spiritofscouse]

Is the kitchen green scour pad good?

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

NO!

[@rickculpepper709]

Nice 👍

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks! 😄

[@fernandoaraujo5579]

Hi, what is the cast iron alloy used to make saw tables?

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

I don't have a clue. Sorry!

[@jriis2010]

nice video. What brand is your table saw ?

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks! It's a SawStop PCS 1.75.

[@josephromero1596]

Will Acetone work instead of lacquer thinner??

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Honestly, I'm not sure.

[@thegolfnut812]

What kind of fence do you have for your saw?

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

It's the standard 36" T-Glide fence for the SawStop PCS. At least, I think that's what it is. 😄

[@WoodenItBeNice]

Hi Dan, Great video and I don't think you waxed lyrically for too long either. Cheers, Huw

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😂Thanks. 😂

[@georgegonzalez-rivas3787]

A shining example of polishing?

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😂😂

[@meangreen7389]

Liked your vid. That stain really bit the rust cuz you caught it rust in time.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

I guess you could say you rust your case, right? 😂Thanks! 😄

[@jimthompson3247]

Having just purchased a SawStop PCS I am thinking about having it detailed once a month to protect that investment.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Just be aware that the top will get all scratched up in no time. There's nothing you can do about it. So just enjoy using it, and try to ignore the scratches as best you can.

[@boyscout419]

I think you pretty much wiped-out other videos on this topic...

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😂Perfect!

[@johnpbh]

You just had to didn't you. Great video BTW. Very helpful.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😂Yep. Couldn't help myself. 😛And thanks.

[@40komori]

Loved the video and puns, but where have you been? We haven't seen a post from you for a long time. I miss that.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Thanks. I've been taking it easy for a couple of months. But I'm back to work now. Also, check to make sure KZbin hasn't decided to just not tell you about my videos. It does that sometimes.

[@40komori]

@@TheNewbieWoodworker Thanks I will check into that.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

@@40komori 👍

[@jamesmuller8157]

I need to do my table saw top, my joimer top and my band saw top.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

It's actually a good feeling when you're done, except you become intimately acquainted with each and every scratch. 😏

[@jimmiemahathey7209]

I looked High and Low to find Johnsons past wax. Amazon showed they carried it but not currently available, so I ended up going to Lowes and picking up Minwax Finishing Wax Natural It seams to work just fine. Would have rather had Johnsons I guess just cause I knew how it would do the job at hand

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

As long as the wax isn't water-based, it should be fine. And if Minwax hasn't caused any rusting, then it's probably fine.

[@buzzsah]

I am the worst when it comes to my saw, I use it as a bench, I paint things on it, glue, stains, weld. lol. I clean it 5-6 times and more per year.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

The thing is made to be used, however you want to use it - it's just a tool, right? But mine was so pretty when I got it that I'm trying to keep it fairly nice. Don't know how long that'll last, though. 😄

[@buzzsah]

I felt bad for my sawso I gave it a bath today . :)

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

@@buzzsah 😄

[@richarddeckert291]

thanks. bicycle!

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

👍

[@jaywuchner9342]

Are you from punsylvania?

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

OMG, I almost missed your pun. Very funny! 😂

[@frankherring6253]

You had to buy your towels, so you didn’t get off Scott free, but you do have a bright future ahead!

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😂Good ones!

[@daviddoe3498]

Not only the top but the bottom of my table saw top is rusty. Should I remove the rust underneath too?

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

That's a great question! I don't honestly know, but rust just gets worse, eating away at the metal, so I would think you'd want to try and remove it somehow.

[@Dave-Gerhart]

I’d suggest more puns but I’m pretty rusty

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Well, I didn't want to be too abrasive. 😂

[@TonatiuhMellado]

Blue magic

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😄

[@dannyscobee6530]

Mineral spirits would of been a good choice for cleaning off the wd40

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Yes, you're right. Good point - thanks for sharing! 😄

[@dashcammer4322]

Boeshield

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

👍

[@KrazyKajun602]

Yes Donaldson'!!! Wax On Wax OFF

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😂

[@gedreillyhomestead6926]

Oil think about it! 👍 😎

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😂

[@scott9488]

Glad you didn't do it in the "buff".

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😂Winner winner, chicken dinner! That's awesome! And yes, I'm glad I didn't do it in the buff either. 😂

[@dmcwoodworx2968]

make mine KFC, pluh-ese. The grease is finger licken good

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

@@dmcwoodworx2968 😂

[@WeGoWalk]

Iron’t going to steal your idea.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😂

[@dougprentice1363]

Newbies that haven't bought a saw yet should get one with cast iron top. Otherwise, they will be upgrading later. I think all of us have, and wasted money.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

While I dont think that's a universal truth, it's certainly something people should consider. Thanks!

[@davidnleeh4]

Just couldn't resist trying to be, punny again, ya!?

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😂Nope, you're right!

[@davidnleeh4]

@@TheNewbieWoodworker 🤣🤣 thought so 🤣 have a good one & keep 'em comin'

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

@@davidnleeh4 👍

[@DuncanEdwards.]

Such a slippery video

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😂

[@elfpimp1]

End of video was very "Punny".. 😬👍

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😂 Thanks. 😄

[@dc5723]

pun intended

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Absolutely! 😄

[@clavicus]

I dunno I think you're a little rusty on your delivery

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😂

[@clavicus]

@@TheNewbieWoodworker Hey Dan, I'm curious are you still using shop-vac and 2.5" connections for dust collection with your Sawstop PCS? How does that work so far? I am debating on full size dust collection and that's a whole extra world of hurt to my wallet after ordering a 3HP PCS with ICS base and all that jazz. Thanks, cheers!

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

@@clavicus I'm still using my shop vac system, and although it's not perfect, I'm not convinced a full-blown system would be much better, if at all. Some types of cuts generate a lot of dust on the table, but unless you have an overhead dust collector attachment, I think it would be about the same if you use a standard DC. I end up with a lot of dust inside the cabinet which I vacuum out every now and then, but people with full-blown DCs have the same problem. I got a 2 1/2" to 4" adapter to connect to the SawStop. Of course it's the same diameter as the SS port, so I used black duct tape to attach it, and you can hardly notice. So by all means, keep your current system and spend money on something else. That's my opinion, which I'm sure people with full DCs would argue with, but who cares? 😄

[@LeonardoArchi]

I gould leave a pun for you, but since English is not my mother language and my English is a little rusty. I won't.

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😂Awesome!

[@dicktruesdell4116]

As usual, and being the distinguished gentleman that you are, you "waxed on" eloquently !!!

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

😂Thanks!