Paste wax or something else for an aluminium table?

[sams93]

I have a cheapo planer thicknesser which has a ground cast aluminium table, there is a funny texture on the table from the machining. I appreciate that rust is not a concern as with the nicer cast iron ones, but nonetheless, it does feel like it would benefit from something to reduce the friction.

I read that paste wax and candle wax are used on the iron tables, but I wondered if I should be using something different on my cast aluminium. I would be grateful for anyone's advice!

 

[Sideways]

I don't think it matters.
Way back in the day when Kity made the hobby / trade woodworking machines that are now ubiquitous, those all had cast alloy tables and Kity sold "Kityspeed" to slick them up.
This was just a rebadge of "silbergleit" which is still available. It works fine but is no better than other options.
I'd just buy Liberon machine table wax as it lasts for ages and it's a good product for when you buy something else with a cast iron table and can appreciate the anti rust additives.

 

[sams93]

I’ll give liberon a go then. Thanks

 

[Housey210]

Caution, consider the final job as what goes on the table gets transfered to the planed surface and will impact on any paint, varnish or stain.

 

[sams93]

Caution, consider the final job as what goes on the table gets transfered to the planed surface and will impact on any paint, varnish or stain.

Yes I made the mistake of using a silicone spray on my bandsaw table (also aluminium) before which transferred excellently onto the wood I was cutting.

I thought the point in the paste waxes (and this liberon lubricating wax) was that they didn’t do that?

 

[AESamuel]

So long as it's silicone free and you don't put a ton of wax on it should be fine. Spread a thin layer, wait 10-15 minutes to haze over then buff off all the excess with a clean cloth until it shines.

 

[smugdruggler]

I cannot for the life of me find "Liberon machine table wax" does anyone have a link?

 

[MikeK]

I cannot for the life of me find "Liberon machine table wax" does anyone have a link?

https://www.liberon.co.uk/product/lubricating-wax/

 

[sams93]

I cannot for the life of me find "Liberon machine table wax" does anyone have a link?

I just purchased some from here as it was the cheapest + Postage I could find:

https://www.homecareessentials.co.u...d8KrWmFBEZ2kGisE9xTR9sGhw6RXWkD4aAoHPEALw_wcB

 

[IanB]

Axminster also do a machine wax, I've used it successfully in the bandsaw

 

[sams93]

Axminster also do a machine wax, I've used it successfully in the bandsaw

Was that on a bandsaw with an aluminium table?

 

[IanB]

Was that on a bandsaw with an aluminium table?

No, cast iron, but I don't see why it wouldn't work on any metal. I plan on using it in my table saw which I think is aluminium

 

[sawtooth-9]

Yep, use a basic wax. NOT SILICONE. It's a bit""" .ch to get off anything that comes into contact with it.
Right now, I am trialing a UK made microcrystalline wax - so far ,so good.

 

[clogs]

more wood passing over the bed will polish it.....
so get more project done.....lol....
in 50 years I've never waxed a bed of any kind'a metal....
i did use a car buffing machine to polish what was a rusty Wadkin planer bed tho...