Scour a cast-iron surface, then protect it from dampness
>
> by Lon Schleining
SNIP
I quit using paraffin wax on my tools the day I discovered TopCote, a dry,
> silicone-free surface lubricant and water repellent manufactured by Bostik
>
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It doesn't build up a sticky residue the way paraffin wax
> inevitably does, the lubrication lasts almost indefinitely, and most
> important, it really keeps moisture out. Spray a liberal coat on the surface,
> let it dry for a few seconds, and buff with a paper towel. I repeat this
> every few months.
SNIP
Finally, to keep your saw looking like new for the rest of its life, make a
> simple cover for it. Cut a sheet of 1/8-in. or 1/4-in. plywood to the size of
> your top. The last thing I do before I leave the shop in the evening is lower
> the tablesaw blade, move the rip fence out onto the extension table and place
> the protective plywood cover over the cast-iron table. One parting thought on
> the plywood cover: Mark it clearly so you don't mistakenly cut it up into
> drawer bottoms. (Not that I've ever done that.)
>
Two comments:
Hmmmm. I didn't know the term "almost indefinitely" means "every few months"... ; )
In the Pac. NW, if you leave the plywood covering on cast iron during the winter months, you'll be very sorry. The plywood will absorb a lot of moisture from the rain-soaked air, leading to rust on the tool surface.