“How do you keep your table saw so shiny? I use tool spray, but it leaves the cast iron top foggy looking. Do you recommend a wax instead?”
Submitted by: John
WWGOA Editor Response:
There are a number of good products on the market that will protect your tools. Wax is fine, but I’m too lazy to use it. I really like the ease of spritzing a liquid on and wiping it off. The easier it is to do, the more likely you’ll do it. The most important thing is that the lubricant is designed for the job. You shouldn’t use anything with silicone in it. The silicone can migrate into your material and prevent finish from sticking. It also shouldn’t be greasy or oily.
I use a couple of products from Empire Manufacturing. Top Saver does a nice job of removing surface rust and protecting the surface from future rust. I use it on every surface in my shop, just to help moving parts to move better. Planer bed, jointer, router bases, dovetail template…everything.
George Vondriska
Managing Editor
Got a woodworking question you need answered? Comment or Email us at editor@wwgoa.com
Related Video:
no website sorry just getting things going
no website sorry ust getting things going
No go on Top Saver!! In fact, the company, Empire Manufacturing, apparently is not longer in operation. So if you have any, use it sparingly, because you possess, a product on the endangered species list, soon to be extinct!
What about SawStop job site? It’s painted aluminum.
Hello. I would check the user manual to see what they suggest for cleaning. If it is not addressed there, I would suggest try using a rag that is slightly damp with mineral spirits to clean it. Then apply a lubricant such as this: https://www.wwgoa.com/product/table-top-lubricant/
Thanks
Paul-WWGOA
Have Sears 14″ band saw that has served me well for 5 years. The wheel guides that are on each side of the blade get to where they di not roll and spin freely. What lubricant should I be using. Also what lubricant for the axles of the large wheels? thanks
Dear Jack,
Thank you for your patience. In response to your question-
I would replace the bearings on your wheel guides. You can try shooting some dry lube in there, but in my experience once they become a problem, they should be replaced.
I would suggest checking the manual for how to lubricate the axles, but my hunch would be to use white lithium grease.
Sincerely,
Paul
Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership
I used extreme fine grit wet sand paper using WD40, wipes dry and then applied baby powder with a caulk eraser – wipe down now & then with eraser and more baby powder
sounds good
Why would you recommend a product that appears to no longer be available?
You might want to update this email blast. If the product in the email isn’t available and you have an alternate in the comments section dated in 2016 you make your emails useless and kinda like SPAM.
Hey Mitch, No matter what anyone else tells you, try Boeshield T-9. Once you do, you will wonder why you never heard of it before!!
I use Turtle Wax car wax, even on the bottom of my panel sled and cross cut sled. Apply a small amount, take a few minutes to straighten up your work bench then wipe it off with a clean shop towel. It only takes a few minutes and works great.
I use WD-40 and Johnson furniture Paste wax. The WD-40 cleans the and dirt. then I dampen a rag with acetone. Thecleans any oily film left by the WD-40. Then thin coats wax. not shiny but slick
Ticket 21894 On the Wood Worker site = Top-Saver System Empire Discontinued 8 oz This item is no longer available – Where are you finding it ? ? ? ? ? This must be a very old question.
Dear B,
Thank you for your patience. In response to your question-
here is the current product that George uses:
http://amzn.to/2ilPB0O
Sincerely,
Paul
Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership
Ticket 21893 Hello I live in northern British Columbia and we only have Windsor Plywood ,Lowe’s and Home Depot would they carry a similar spray prouduct I can use on my table top
Thanks
Rodman
Dear Rodman,
Thank you for your patience. In response to your question-
I’m not sure what they might have. One option is to buy it here: http://amzn.to/2ilPB0O
Sincerely,
Paul
Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership
Ticket 21892 What wet/dry shop vac do you recommend that is absolutely the quietest out there (and affordable)?
Dear Keith,
Thank you for your patience. In response to your question-
I would suggest going with something in the 5-6 HP, 5 gallon class. This would be a good option: https://amzn.to/2WqFnQ4
Sincerely,
Paul
Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership
Buckethead! $30. It’s the guts to a vacuum that you attach to the top of a 5 gallon bucket. Works great!
I went to the Empire Manufacturing website for information on silicone free table top lubricant and all I found was personal lubricant. Can you be more specific on how to purchase this product?
Hi, Mitch. I believe that this product is no longer available. I’d suggest Bostik GlideCote as an alternative. Available online and in woodworking specialty stores.
Cmon George. WD40, wipe it down w solvent, turtle wax it. All stuff you have already w/o buying expensive product.
It works! Great advice! Thanks a lot.
I recently learned that Top Saver from Empire Manufacturing is now available again, and I recently bought some through Amazon. I’ve had great success using it and am glad it’s available again as I never found an equivalent replacement product.
I tried tonight, 01/30/19, and no longer available. A google search reflects it’s on it’s way out the door. I would look to Bostik GlideCote, as recommended.
Yes Bostik works very well
I found it on Amazon. Price was $11.71.
https://www.amazon.com/Tool-Savers-TopSaver-Rust-Remover-Lubricant/dp/B001DT12XQ