How to Maintain Cast Iron Table Tool Surfaces

Regular maintenance of your machine tops will save you much scrubbing in the long run. Doing this right the first time and it will drastically reduce the amount of further scrubbing in the future. Step one, using a scotch bright pad and some rubbing compound (very important), remove all oil and rust. Do this by scrubbing back and forth in multiple directions. You may need to wipe clean with a towel and repeat to get all that crud off. Step too, once the surface is looking clear, (see pic 3) with a new pad or clean towel apply some Johnson's Past Wax in a circular motion. Let the wax sit for a few minutes then wipe it off. Wax on wax off. If you have done this correctly, the only regular maintenance that will be required will be to apply more wax every so often. Keep an eye out for dulling and don't leave anything with moisture on these surfaces, like a coffee cup or even hands will begin to rust it out again. If left neglected you will have to bust out the rubbing compound and scrub the crud off again. This will help preserve the functionality of your equipment as well as keeping your shop looking fresh.