I've been using tung oil on my chopping boards, and since it creates a hard, durable finish, I thought it might work for coating my table saw surface as well. I just acquired a second-hand table saw, and right now, I can't fully protect it from moisture. It recently got some rain on it and developed a lot of surface rust in no time. I cleaned it up, but I'm looking for ways to prevent this in the future. Someone at my local hardware store recommended a product, but it was specifically for brass, copper, and aluminum, so I plan to return it. I'm really curious if using tung oil could be bad for the saw in any way. Any advice?
3 Answers
Honestly, I wouldn't recommend using tung oil on your table saw. A good paste wax works much better for rust prevention and helps with smoothing the movement of your boards. Something like Minwax or even Johnson's paste wax (if you can find it) is ideal. Tung oil might not give you the glide you want for cutting.
Yeah, paste wax is definitely the way to go! It protects against rust without the risk of messing with stains or finishes. I've used paraffin wax, and it works fine too. Just avoid oils like tung oil, which can actually create a sticky surface over time instead of helping out.
Is there a specific brand of paste wax that's your favorite?
Stick with paste wax. It prevents rust better than tung oil ever would. If you used linseed oil in the past, you’d know that it needs regular reapplication and can look messy. Wax makes the cutting smoother and is easier to maintain.
What paste wax do you suggest? Would kitchen timber wax be okay?