Replies

1. 
   UncleDunc | Feb 11, 2003 10:52am | #1

   >> I'm going for that slick mirror finish that's tough and stain/discoloration resistant.

   Why? The stains don't detract from the saw's functionality. Any time you spend or getting rid of or trying to prevent stains is time you don't have for woodworking. It's different from sweeping the floor. Let shavings and sawdust build up, and it does detract from the floor's functionality.

   I say a little wax is all you need. A lot of people recommend furniture paste wax instead of car wax because the car wax has silicones that can cause problems with some finishes.

   
   

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   Edited 2/11/2003 4:16:47 AM ET by Uncle Dunc

1. 
   DestinDave | Feb 11, 2003 04:45pm | #2

   Right. Living in Florida, I sweat all over mine. It was such a pain to try to keep it polished and waxed so I finally have up. MY top is now brownish-black with a shiny area around the blade (from use). It aint pretty but there is no loss of performance. I suppose that if you live in a dry climate like Arizona, keeping it pretty might be a reasonable thing to do, but not anywhere it is very humid.

2. 
   foghorn | Feb 12, 2003 01:49am | #3

   They are quite right of course at least from the point of reason and common sense.

   You have to be a little (or maybe not so little) compulsive to see your post in a different light. I am so I did.

   The best I can offer is: get it clean once and then use consistent applications of furniture polish. It worked pretty well although I never did get that perfection I was after which is probably just as well (all things considered).  

   Good luck,

   Mike

1. 
   RoyinMD | Feb 12, 2003 06:00am | #4

   I may very well get flamed for this post, thats ok, but I have used the ROS or finish sander with 320 or 400 paper many times to clean my table saw table, shaper table and disk sander table. The material removed is less than minimal and have noticed no short or long term ill effects. Clean up with wd40 spray and a good rub down. Add some polish for months of slick working. Smooth as a babes, I mean babies butt.

   Enjoy, Roy

1. 
   Turbo | Feb 12, 2003 07:23am | #5

          I use  mineral spirits, then fine sandpaper, then Trewax on mine to prevent rusting.  Humidity and use will let you know how often.  Some call it maintenance, though there has got to be a better name for it.  As an a famous WW says, pass the whiskey please, or other ways for those healthy, magic moments. 

2. 
   JHARDE02 | Feb 12, 2003 10:04pm | #6

   I also use WD-40 and a ROS sander on my tablesaw and jointer beds.  Works great.

   Why would someone flame you for that?

   Regards,

   John

1. 
   RoyinMD | Feb 13, 2003 01:04am | #7

   Hey John,

   I was just assuming that a fair number of people here might find that practice a little too distructive. Its' worked well for me for a long time.

   I forgot before, but Windex works well for minor cleaning.

   Enjoy, Roy

1. 
   piedbeauty | Feb 13, 2003 04:51am | #8

   windex is terrible window cleaner IMO but it is great for tooling caulking,not that that is really something woodworkers do. run abead of caulk,spray liberally with windex and tool with finger or tongue depressor. if you want to clean windows, get a can of sprayway, usually available at glass or window suppliers. if you want to clean or seal a tablesaw or jointer, get a can of bostik[formerly sandaro] table sealer, actually all their products are great.