I've been dealing with some friction issues when using my table saw, particularly between the fence and the riving knife, as well as the table surface when working on larger pieces. I've learned that this is a common issue with several solutions. One traditional method is to apply paste wax to the surfaces for lubrication. There's also newer products like SlickKote or Glidecote, which you spray on and then buff. My main concern is whether these lubricants, especially paste wax, can have any oily residue that might affect the wood I'm working on. I know paste wax has oil in it, so I'm wondering if that would end up on my workpieces. Any insights would be appreciated!
4 Answers
Just be cautious about using waxes with silicone. Silicone can penetrate the wood and make it tough to finish later, leading to blotchy spots. I recommend using the old yellow cans of Johnson's paste wax—great for tools and silicone-free!
If you do it right, you shouldn't have any problems. Just use enough wax to make it smooth, apply it, let it dry, and then buff off any excess. It’s all about the right application!
If you apply a really light coat of wax, I doubt it will affect the wood at all. Just keep the layers thin, and you should be fine!
I've used paste wax on my table saw for a while, and honestly, any residue that might get on the wood will likely be sanded off anyway, since I'm not working with finished pieces. I don’t see any issues at all with it.
Got it! Are there any specific brands or types of paste wax you'd recommend for this?