Rust prevention on surfaces... in today's environments

[Steve]

[Steve]

Great info, folks. thank you very much. I think I'm going to give the TopCote a try-- the non-transferring and slicker nature does appeal to me out of both options.

Wax aside, I'm a little surprised there are no new products out there for people, but as a number of you mentioned, 'why mess with a good thing?'

No issues with VOC changes for anyone, either-- that's a good thing too.

I'll repost in a few months or so to let you know how it went, after a while. If I can find a coupon, I'll donate the savings to the baby caranuba efforts. The seal's on his own, though!

Thanks, Steve

[Steve]

Oh-- and I'll definitely cut a piece of ply to fit over my table-- another great idea, thanks, all.

I had considered a cover or tarp, but didn't think that would suffice in this environment-- the moisture's simply everywhere. The ply makes sense-- thanks again.

[-MIKE-]

I know that. I was using it as another example of how many people would rather do much harder work than to use a simpler process/product to achieve the same/better results with much less effort.

[Puckdropper]

Steve wrote in news: [e-mail]:

A tarp can actually trap moisture, so it will be worse than leaving your saw uncovered. The plywood, being in intimate contact with the top, won't have any air space in which to trap moisture and might help. Personally, I'd give the fancy stuff (topcote or similar) a try and forgo the top. IMO, a plywood top would encourage setting stuff on the saw.

Puckdropper

[krw]

If you've used any of these products before, be sure you *clean* the top thoroughly before putting anything new on the top. Use the appropriate "cleaner" for what was used. ...and lots of it.

[krw]

Any horizontal space is going to attract "stuff". ;-)

I use one of these. It's been flawless.

The issue with any cover, plywood included, is that it does nothing to protect the miter slots (BTW, the plywood should be thin enough that it sits on the top like a noodle). Any prep tends to get worn off in these areas, too, making the miter gauge sticky. One has to be particularly careful to keep these clean.

[Leon]

A hint for using TopCote. For the first application spray a thorough layer. I typically spray the surface with horizontal strokes, let it haze over and wipe the film off. The I do the same with vertical strokes. From that point use it as needed, I touch up if the surface feels grabby or if I drip sweat on the table. ;~)

[Leon]

My experience is that sheet goods warp, the magnetic cover looks promising.

[Leon]

Is it difficult to align, if it starts crooked and does not cover the surface is it easy to straighten?

[krw]

I was thinking about something like 3/16" hardboard.

Worked for me.

[Leon]

Nevermind, my TS top is 30" x 44" The cover would be too small.

[krw]

No, you don't straighten it out once it's on. It's not hard to get straight, though. I cut an 1/8" slot from the front of the blade to the rear to clear the blade and splitter/blade cover. I just unroll in into two halves and slide the slot over the blade and under the guard, then unroll it both directions. It's a lot easier than it sounds.

[krw]

I'm surprised they don't have a cover for SawStop but apparently they don't. Time to get rid of that piece of junk. Send it to me and I'll take care of it. ;-)

[Leon]

Where should I send it? LOL

[krw]

Don't go out of your way. I'll be over in the morning to pick it up. ;-)

[Ed Pawlowski]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I bet you used to buy the XL condoms too.

[Keith Nuttle]

I have used the plywood on the table of the saw technique for many years and never had a problem with the tracks rusting.

Yes it attracts stuff, but im my small work shop the stuff usually gets put away. I can use the plywood covered table saw as an extra bench to put glued frames while they dry; a working bench for my portable router table, a bench when I need a big space for sanding something that will not fit any where else; etc.

[krw]

Used to? You mean before he was married? ;-)

[clare]

A GOOD paste wax, properly applied SHOULD do it