George Vondriska

How to Clean Rust Off a Table Saw

George Vondriska
Duration:   3  mins

Description

Learn some helpful tips on how to clean rust off a table saw. If your table saw has a cast iron top even the slightest amount of moisture contacting it can leave water marks and eventually rust spots. George Vondriska shows you how to remove and avoid rust spots by using rust remover, fine grit sand paper and tool sealer.

Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.

Make a comment:
characters remaining

10 Responses to “How to Clean Rust Off a Table Saw”

  1. Gordon Couch

    Why not show using Johnson’s wax ? It’s cheaper and just as effective as the Glide Cote.

  2. Alec

    I used my dado blade for the first time today and didn't notice that there's a tiny bit of rust near the tip of one of the chippers and one of the blades where the nut goes to hold it in its case until I put it away what can I do? Alec

  3. Tim Moore

    I am also vary particular about drinks around my saws and other equipment, so when I viewed your video on cleaning the table top with 500 grit sand paper my lower half puckered up the second you started sanding in a circle. Please go with the grain of the metal so you don't end up with swirls in your table top.

  4. Jim

    I found this video an absolute waste of time. Really? Cleaning off an almost invisible rust mark with sandpaper? For such a minor blemish, any metal polish, or even a quick wipe with some Scotchbrite would've removed it in seconds. As for protection, the Bostik product works, but is very expensive when compared to a simple coat of wax - which also protects better than the spray stuff. BTW, the top of my 18 year old cabinet saw still looks like new. I use Johnson's wax on it. Tried the spray (once) and didn't see where it did any good at all. I still have nearly a full, unused, can of it sitting on a shelf. A $15.00 waste.

  5. Rodney Hytonen

    Please be sure to make full text transcripts available as a option for all your videos. Many of us have computers that will not run them successfully. Others (like myself) read VERY fast, and do NOT have time for unnecessary videos. This video is the very definition of "unnecessary." Naming the two products would have been plenty.

  6. Steve Matthews

    Does this technique also work for corroded aluminium. I have a bandsaw with an aluminium table that was left outside by someone that I lent it to.... I won't be doing that again!

  7. John Brazie

    I was always told to put a coat of wax on the cast iron.I have been using Johnsons paste wax,should I clean that off and use a product like Boeshield?

  8. Earl

    What if you live in Hawaii like I do; rust is inevitable from the moisture in the air. A can of soda is a petty issue.

  9. George Vondriska

    For more info on getting rust off of your tools check out these videos, too. http://local.wordpress/video/000311_removing-rust-with-electrolysis/ http://local.wordpress/removing-rust-with-electrolysis/ http://local.wordpress/video/000232_cleaning-a-rusty-table/ G

  10. LeeWalkow

    Thanks for the tip on getting rid of cast iron rust stains. Now let's back up a bit. WHY??? When my shop was in a garage all the cast iron developed a nice tan patina that never seemed to change or leave any kind of marks on the wood. Now that I have an indoor shop, the cast iron stays more of a metallic hue but any moisture does leave a stain. Again I say, so what? Eventually the whole table will be the same familiar tan patina that never seems to get worse or present any kind of a problem. One in a great while I do take some paint thinner that I've used to clean brushes and let it set a month or so. All the pigments drop to the bottom and I use the clear liquid on top to apply with a rag to my cast iron tables. I don't think it stops the rust but it makes me feel better. I am still using 40 and 50 year old tools and have never had any problems.

Get exclusive premium content! Sign up for a membership now!