Polishing Cast Iron

[Tom D]

Can anyone recommend a pad for the ETS125 that I can polish a brand new cast iron top on a Sawstop? Also a good product to use on the cast iron for cleaning and protection.
We just took delivery today and after cleaning it up it seems to have some slight staining on the otherwise polished table top.

Thanks, Tom

 

[mouppe]

I don't know how much sanding you need to do, but I would be worried about damaging the flatness of the top. Would it be better to use a solvent such as turps or paint thinner?

Richard.

 

[Tom D]

I tried that and it didn't work on the one spot.
I just want to polish it not sand it.

 

[mouppe]

Oh sorry, I misread your initial post.

For protection, I use waxilit from Lee Valley. I use it on guide rails, my planer, even on my saw blades.

 

[Tom D]

Thanks Richard, I will look into that.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

You could try Vlies pads -- they come in different grits and I think lots of folks have used them to clean tool surfaces.

Scot

 

[MarkF]

Here's what I used on a rehab of the CI top of an early 70's Unisaw (that looked like a goat was slaughtered on it in the 70's and left there [scared]) in the order of use:

1. WD-40 and a green 3-M scrub pad, razor blade and putty knife for the really soft areas of rust and whatever residue.
2. Wet/Dry Sandpaper with WD-40  100 through 400 grit on a felt block for the heavy rust, deep stains and pitted areas.
3. Mother's Mag and Aluminum Polish (find it in the Auto Detailing section of your favorite major retailer)  Before anyone loses their mind over silicone contamination I checked with them and there isn't any in it.  I used a folded terry towel and a large can of elbow grease.  Really worked well.

For protection I have always used 1/2 block of Gulfwax (canning Pariffin) grated into ~16 oz of mineral spirits, allowed to dissolve and sprayed liberally.  Allow to dry, buff with a terry towel.  Apply when you think about it and it protects from rust.  Net cost per 16 oz bottle is ~$.30 and has the same ingredients as some high priced spray cans.  Only drawback is you have to store it in a heated area in the winter because it solidifies.  I've never had any rust in a humid climate.

 

[PaulMarcel]

For protection I have always used 1/2 block of Gulfwax (canning Pariffin) grated into ~16 oz of mineral spirits, allowed to dissolve and sprayed liberally.  Allow to dry, buff with a terry towel.  Apply when you think about it and it protects from rust.  Net cost per 16 oz bottle is ~$.30 and has the same ingredients as some high priced spray cans.  Only drawback is you have to store it in a heated area in the winter because it solidifies.  I've never had any rust in a humid climate.

I like that, thanks!  Been wanting a way to spray wax instead and don't trust commercial sprays.