Tool Care

DoubleLung · October 23, 2014, 11:37:00 AM

I just picked up a new Grizzly bandsaw and am getting it set up. The grease they shipped the saw with is pretty dry on the table surface and I'm trying to figure out what is best to clean it with.

What do you wax your table surfaces with? Is standard car wax sufficient?

Thanks,
Tim

canopyboy · October 23, 2014, 12:36:00 PM

Any solvent degreaser and a little elbow grease will get all that crud off.

I like Bostik TopCote to protect and lubricate the tabletops of my machinery. I think it's now called GlideCote though. There's a few other products similar to it, they all seem to work pretty well.

I grew up in a commercial cabinet shop on the west coast. We just used a little parafin wax occasionally. But there were no humidity concerns of note there.

monterey · October 23, 2014, 02:46:00 PM

Take it off with carb cleaner or brake cleaner.

canopyboy · October 23, 2014, 05:06:00 PM

That'll work too, but be careful none drips on your painted surfaces.

bjansen · October 23, 2014, 08:25:00 PM

I like using wd 40 to take that stuff off...

Drewster · October 26, 2014, 10:40:00 PM

I've used Johnson's Paste Wax on my table tops for decades.....works well for me.

mikkekeswick · October 27, 2014, 03:04:00 AM

Silicon gun spray works amazingly well to lube tables.

Roy from Pa · October 27, 2014, 06:37:00 AM

Another good lubricant is house hold wax paper. You will be amazed how slippery it makes the surface by just rubbing it across it.

PEARL DRUMS · October 28, 2014, 11:24:00 AM

WD40 is what I used on my Grizzly. Wiped right off.

DoubleLung · October 28, 2014, 02:07:00 PM

I ended up scrubbing it with WD40 as recommended. It worked great and it came off with a little elbow grease. I'm going to pick up some wax this week to get it waxed up. I think I'll refinish my table saw table at the same time while I'm at it.

eflanders · November 08, 2014, 01:10:00 PM

With all due respect to those that posted using WD40 & silicone: You are best NOT to use those things as they will leave residue that will show up in your finish.

Removal of the shipping grease is best done with a combination of elbow grease and turpentine.

Cabinet shops recommend using paraffin, bees wax or auto PASTE wax for lube and protection against rusting. If you do use car wax, be sure that it doesn't contain any silicone (as most of the liquid waxes do).