WD40

[Mikegtr]

I have a new bandsaw and I want to clean the bandsaw bed before use--would you use WD40?--as it does not contain silicone. What have you used? Bandsaw bed probably a bit greasy.

 

[marcros]

ipa, meths or acetone depending on what is handy at the time.

 

[eribaMotters]

White spirit and 400 grit adhesive. Wipe dry/clean and then furniture wax to finish off.

Colin

 

[marcros]

or "white spirit" should be on my list too!

 

[pe2dave]

Wax to protect. Rustins do one for this job.

 

[Cabinetman]

Not for cleaning maybe, but I use WD-40 on all my beds once a week. Never had a problem and particularly on the PT it helps the wood move across the surface. Certainly quick and easy. Ian

 

[Phill05]

I use to use Meths to wipe down and let dry, then get a hot air blower to warm up the cast and apply Briwax furniture polish some melts into the cast making a harder to rub off finish then top up as and when needed.
I stored a Myford planer under the bench 20+ years ago and only took it out this last month and the beds and fence were just as when I put it away perfect but untreated bars had a coat of rust on.

 

[Mikegtr]

Thanks for the replies--very helpful.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

I cleaned mine with w. spirit then went over it with 40 grit on a half sheet sander, cleaned it again and waxed it.
Briwax is good (it has to be good for something) as is grp mould release wax it you haven't machine wax. I can't speak for machine wax, I've not felt inclined to buy it.

 

[shed9]

There is no silicone in WD-40, it's predominantly naphtha. It will be fine to clean off the protective gunk from a new tool but not exactly the best for a protective layer as almost all of it evaporates. Any good paste wax will do the job of protecting ferrous surfaces. I use Liberons lubricating wax myself with no issues. I used to use Boeshield T-9 but quickly stopped using it when I saw the safety data sheet.

 

[Noel John]

I am restoring many old, mostly flat belt machines, after removing various degrees of rust I apply a thin layer on hydraulic oil. it works like a charm and is not expensive. it also does not clog when the machine is put into use.