Replies

1. 
   Napie | Apr 08, 2009 06:05am | #1

   Mine has a few glue stains, never could get them cleaned off.  It acts almost like gun bluing.

1. 
   dgreen | Apr 08, 2009 06:32am | #2

   Character marks. 

    

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   Men will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest.~ Denis Diderot

1. 
   Napie | Apr 08, 2009 06:45am | #3

   Yeah, I like them, kind of like the tool marks in the workbench.

2. 
   integrity_woodworks | Apr 21, 2009 09:28am | #4

   ROBERTMC, kerosene is what you use to remove the protective grease which the manufacture uses to make sure it does not rust in storage,or during transport.

   I have many vintage machines, so I have salvaged many cast iron tops. try this. Wet a rag with lacquer thinner(general purpose ) now rub nice and hard, wait about ten minutes. Now soak the spot with a three in one oil/ or even air tool oil ,and hand sand with light pressure using 320 wet-dry paper,wipe with dry rag.  Now re-oil  using 400 wet-dry paper, wipe dry again .Now repeat one more time with 600 wet-dry paper.

   sounds like a lot of work (maybe?) but it should only take about half an hour.

   Dan

3. 
   THintz | Apr 21, 2009 10:03am | #5

   See the link below for my story on how I care for cast iron tables. Keep in mind that cast iron stains and getting many of those discolorations out completely can require grinding the stained metal away, something we don't want to do on our tables. I keep a sheet of ply standing against the wall near my table saw to cover the cast iron when I do anything but cut wood on it.

   http://www.newwoodworker.com/clncstirn.html

    

   Tom Hintz

   Because there is always more to learn!

1. 
   robertmc | Apr 21, 2009 03:01pm | #6

   Tom, thanks for the link. I had seen this recommendation after doing some additional searching. WD-40 on a scotchbrite pad worked great. I agree keeping it cleaned and waxed is important. It only takes a moment.

4. 
   HowardAcheson | Apr 21, 2009 06:30pm | #7

   Use the kerosene but rub it in with 400 sandpaper, or 4/0 steel wool or a gray Scotchbrite pad. Kerosene is a good choice as it contains a small amount of oil which helps to reduce rusting. Mineral spirits and the ever popular WD40 are other options but neither does much for long term rust protection.

   Finish off with a coat of furniture paste wax. For more protection, use Boeshield T9.

   Howie.........

   
   

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   Edited 4/21/2009 11:32 am ET by HowardAcheson