Table of Contents
Introduction
A table saw is a cutting material. It cuts through thick or thin woods, metals or plastics giving an exact and neat cut on such materials just like a chop saw does.
Having a clean workplace fosters safety and even at large, one’s health. What is more? Safe environs, in the long run, makes tools that are employed to last longer. So, it’s necessary to make sure that tools are well kept and well attended to. Just as a reciprocating saw would need regular maintenance.
How to clean table saw top?
Rusts are no friends of tools. Therefore, when rust starts to develop on tools, the ideal step to take is to get rid of it. Below are the steps to take in order to get rid of rusts:
Use sandpaper
As mentioned earlier, the first step should be to remove the rust on the table. How to do this? Use sandpaper to brush the table saw top. For a start, it is advisable to make use of a 180 to 220-grit sandpaper. If available, a vibrating sander can be used. But note that pressure or force is not needed when using the vibrating sander. Just moving the sander to and from the tabletop is enough as the vibrating equipment will do its work without pressure. Though tough rust can remain when using a handheld sander, that shouldn’t be bothersome. Why? You may think. Well, it is because as long as the table saw top is regularly taken care of and sanded, it starts getting smoother than before.
Use a 320-grit sandpaper
If you’ve been sanding the table saw top for a while with a 220-grit paper, you might need to replace the sander with 320-grit sandpaper. This sandpaper is more superior as it removes scratches that the previous sander might not have removed. To have a much cleaner tabletop, it is imperative to switch to this sandpaper.
Use 600-grit sandpaper
After using the 220 and 320-grit sanders. It is time to employ the 600-grit sander and this is to nake the table saw top smooth and to give it a glossy look. At this point, the rust should be gone, and a shiny tabletop will have been achieved.
Apply lubricant
If there’s still a need to sand the tabletop, 1200-grit sandpaper can be used. After a thorough sanding, the next thing is applying lubricant. The lubricant can either be sprayed on the tabletop or applied directly to the tabletop and then be cleaned with a dirt-free cloth. These two methods give the same results.
Apply wax to the tabletop
At this juncture, the table saw top should be attractive like a new one since thorough sanding and cleaning have been done. Although, it can still get more attractive by rubbing some wax on it. The wood paste finishing wax can be employed. In order to keep the top of your table saw shining, waxing is quite essential. It is advisable that waxing is done at least once in two months. Keeping to this routine of waxing will make the table saw always polished and looking sleek, making workpieces slide through easily and thereby, giving a smooth cut.
How to apply wax
The wax should be applied on the table’s surface and then be cleaned with a dirt-free cloth. The wax should extend to all parts. It is recommended to apply wax a second time and wait for about fifteen minutes for the wax to dry before using a different cloth to rub it.
Conclusion
Regular care helps to keep a table saw top in good and attractive shape. Following the above steps will help to have a long-lasting and ever attractive table saw.
