Ok.. followed the excellent and argued over instructions here and did the TS top with my pad sander and Scotchbbrite pads..
It looks pretty good now and has 3 layers of Topcoat on it..
OTOH, the miter slots still have rust in them.. Any tips/tricks before I try reinventing the wheel?
I tried using PSA paper on my cutoff sled runners and that was a real mess..lol
mac
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Pretty much what I do. I set the ROS on top of the Scotch Brite and get after it.
How about a thin wire brush for the slots. Push come to shove use a tooth brush after letting the solvent soak for a few minutes. WD-40 will leave a refreshing taste in your mouth. ;~)
Two choices:
1) Start with a 1/2"-5/8" thick board about 6"-8" long.Attach a piece of double back tape, then a piece of emery paper.
Apply WD-40 and elbow grease, then wipe slot with paper towel.
2) Recently picked up a brass wire brush, designed to clean a cast iron grill skillet, at Smart & Final(Restaurant supply house in SoCal) that is about 1/2" wide x 4"-5" long with a wood handle.Apply WD-40 and elbow grease, then wipe slot with paper towel.
Would do a super job based on my experience with the cast iron skillet.
Have fun.
Lew
Whatever you do, DO NOT run your fingers down the miter slot to clean out dust or swarf. Especially don't do it twice. DAMHIKT.
Yeah, I was hoping for a low-labor solution, but I'll grab the brushes and go for it..
A few years ago my wife wanted a set of brass/aluminum/steel brushes from Harbor Freight so I got a box of 'em.. Never thought I'd have a rust problem in the friggin' desert..
mac
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Have you tried a rust eraser? You can get them at rockler and maybe other woodworking store. I use them to remove rust on anything metal You can cut then to fit in the mitre slot . The come in fine, me and corase texture.
Randy
Who is the manufacturer of Topcoat? Googling provides coats and nail polish but nothing that strikes me as something I want to put on my saw table...
Try looking for TopCote
Sounds like it has some HCL in it which while getting rid of the rust, may be a tad aggressive.
Does the cleaned surface have to be neutralized after use?
Lew
Just like it sounds--a rectangular chunk of rubbery material filled with silicon carbide particles. Like solid sandpaper.
Cut down a scotchbrite pad and attach it a piece of wood small enough for the slot, with something one top to grab hold onto. Or a fine flap wheel with a Dremel.
I feel dumber than usual, now..
mac
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Empire...
Nope.. pretty much a small sanding sponge, but instead of being coated with abrasive, it's MADE of it..
mac
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Bostik makes Top Cote:
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