How to Clean and Refinish Cast-Iron Saw Tables

Cast-iron saw tables offer a stable work surface for woodcutting. A neglected cast-iron work surface will accumulate rust, regardless of indoor conditions. The rusted surface increases resistance to the wood being pushed through the saw. The rust will also transfer to the wood, creating stains. Cleaning and finishing the cast iron should be part of the routine maintenance to a table saw.

Metal putty knife
Mineral spirits
Green buffing pad
Cotton cloth
Paste wax lubricant

Instructions

- 1
  Switch off the electrical power to the table saw, and unplug the tool from the wall outlet.
- 2
  Scrape the cast-iron surface with the edge of the putty knife to remove the heaviest built-up debris. Hold the blade of the putty knife at a 45-degree angle to the surface.
- 3
  Pour a small amount -- 1 to 2 oz. -- of mineral spirits on the cast iron table, after opening windows to increase ventilation. Scrub the area with a green buffing pad in small circular motions. Clean the cast iron in small areas, working outward until you have cleaned the entire table.
- 4
  Pour a small amount of mineral spirits into a cotton cloth. Wipe down the surface, removing all signs of rust and worked-up debris. The cast-iron table should now have a bright shine. If areas still have a small amount of rust or other material, work on that area again.
- 5
  Wipe the surface down with a clean cotton cloth to thoroughly dry. Apply a liberal amount of paste wax lubricant to the cast-iron table. Let the wax dry to a light color. Buff the surface with a clean cotton cloth.
- 6
  Add more layers of the paste wax lubricant as desired to produce a slick surface. Depending on how you use the table saw, reapply the wax as often as every month.

DIY Cement Mixer Plans

How to Lower Surge Amps in a Table Saw Motor

Carpentry