Waaaaaay OT! Table Saw Rust Removal

[DougB]

Forum members here have dealt with rust in the past on firearms, and I knew somebody here would have some advise on rust removal. A bit different scenario here!

I am purchasing a table saw that requires a lot of cleanup on the table top. I have used steel wool with aerosol "rust knockers" and a lot of elbow grease and sanders with fine grit sandpaper successfully in the past, but.....there must be an easier way.

Any advise?

[JBledsoe]

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The rust removal methods as you describe are the best and they are a lot of work. The only other suggestion is to sand the rust down until very smooth and then apply a chemical to convert it to a blue black finish similar to parkerizing used on military weapons. The chemical can be found at NAPA and other auto parts stores.
Another method that works (maybe) is to coat the object with petroleum jelly (Navel jelly?) and let it set for a few days, then clean it off.

Good luck.

[rogn]

I have heard that smaller items can be cleaned by boiling a solution of boraxo and water. Then the steel needs immediate attention because it will rerust fast. I'd suppose a hot solution of boraxo might be swabbed on the table and scrubbed about and rinsed clear. Borax is used in welding and brazing fluxes as it is a good reducing agent(reversing oxidation reactions). The rust converter Bledsoe reccomends does protect well against future rusting. I use it on carbon steel needlenose pliers on the boat- keeps them alive for a season.

[DougB]

Another method that works (maybe) is to coat the object with petroleum jelly (Navel jelly?) and let it set for a few days, then clean it off.

Good luck.

You know.....I didn't think of the Navel Jelly idea. That might work. I'm guessing if I were to cover it with some tinfoil it might even work a bit better. Wouldn't tend to "dry out" as fast perhaps?

[AJMD429]

Rotary wire brush on an angle-grinder or drill or even router...?

[Les Staley]

Doc's got it right.. angle grinder with a wire brush on board.. follow up with a coat of Johnson's Paste Wax.. and watch out fer yer fingers.. everything will slide super easy.. (bought my first table saw at Sears in Detroit in 1970.. a cast iron 10 inch brute.. Hardware Week on sale for $99.. still use it..) built a kitchen for a guy accross the street.. built the cabnets, doors, counter tops and laminated them with formica and set the sink for something like $350

[adirondakjack]

I restored ESNAB (every single nut and bolt) of a 30 yr old motorcycle that had suffered poor storage. Old paint and rust came off the frame easily with a 3M stripper disc that chucks in a drill motor It looks like ultra-coarse scotchbrite (almost spaghetti-sized strands) and works a treat. Look in either paint or autobody at Walmart. As soon as ya get er clean, slobber a heavy coat of paste furniture wax on the bare metal top and let it set a day or two then buff it off with a coarse cotton cloth (denim works). That way ya won't contaminate yer fine wood projects with paint, etc.

[rimrock]

I use navel jelly on all my rust removal followed by hot clear water. Navel jelly most certainly does not like gun bluing so be cautious. I believe 3-n1 oil or one of its similar products cuts rust pretty good.

rimrock