How to Clean a Bandsaw Table [Step-by-Step]

For the longevity of your bandsaw, you need to make sure the bandsaw and its table are maintained clean.

After prolonged use, bandsaw tables can get unclean due to rust and other material buildups.

In this guide, I'll show you how to clean your bandsaw table with items you can find in your shop.

Step-by-Step Process of Cleaning a Bandsaw Table

Before the cleaning starts, Remove the bandsaw blade to avoid accidentally hurting yourself while cleaning.

Turn off the power and make sure the band saw is unplugged.

As the first step, spray the surface using WD-40.

WD-40 weakens the bond between the rust and the surface.

Using the sandpaper begin gently scrubbing the surface of the table by hand.

There is no need to be aggressive and also no need to use rough sandpaper.

A 400 grit sandpaper is more than enough.

You can also use an orbital sander machine but remember not to apply too much pressure on it.

That can result in the formations of dips and depressions on the band saw top.

Make sure you apply even pressure, as pushing down on corners also makes the surface uneven.

Go back and forth along the surface of the band saw top slowly.

An alternative to the sandpaper method is to use an angle grinder instead. Use four and a half-inch fine finishing disc on the angle grinder.

Although the tabletop might look uneven after using the angle grinder, it is purely cosmetic and doesn't leave depressions on the surface.

If you want to eliminate that look, use the 400-grit sandpaper on the tabletop after using the angle grinder.

This method works faster than the two sandpaper methods because it's a lot quicker.

You may also use a wire cup brush which is attached to the drill.

However, this method is the slowest and should only be used if left with no other options as the surface can become scarred.

Also the time it takes to clear away the rust is significantly higher than the other methods.

The next step is to use mineral spirits to clean the sludge made from sanding the surface.

Pour some mineral spirit onto the table and clean it using a rag.

Now you will have a clean work surface free from rust and dirt.

To further prevent the tabletop from rust and provide a smooth surface for the wood to slide on, you can use some paste wax.

Apply a small amount of paste wax on a clean rag and give the tabletop a good coating.

After letting it dry for a few minutes, come back with a soft cloth and give it a buff.

Another method is to use a degreaser or an anti-rust spray after you are done finishing the surface of the band saw.

This helps reduce friction between the wood and the table surface and prevents rust.

Spread it evenly with a clean rag and let it dry for 10 mins.

This should leave a neat and shiny surface behind as the degreaser forms a coat on top of the work surface.

A protective coating is also recommended but not considered necessary.

Remember to clean your saw once a month after this.

There's no need to sand the surface every time.

Instead, wipe the dirt clean with some mineral spirits and apply a new coating of paste wax.

That should leave you with a perfectly smooth and rust-free tabletop.

General Tips for Cleaning Bandsaw Table

• Rust builds up due to the presence of moisture. Preventing or slowing down rust is the only way to keep your tools in top shape.
• Leaving the worksurface exposed to water content like from the condensation outside a mug or a cold soda kept on the band saw can also result in rust.So be cautious while handling beverages near the band saw.
• A dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the atmosphere and helps keep the room dry, effectively reducing rust build-up.
• Corrosion and rust can occur due to the rising and lowering of humidity so insulating the room and providing air condition works well.
• While using the sandpaper to scrub down on the surface, try wrapping it around a small wooden block that fits comfortably in your hand. That way, you can work much faster to remove rust than the usual way of rubbing down the work surface using just sandpaper.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the fastest way to remove rust from metal?

To remove rust, soak the rusted metal object in white vinegar for a few hours and then wipe it clean. If the item is too huge, equally apply white vinegar to the object's surface and allow it to settle.

Does WD-40 Remove rust?

By entering the porous layer of rust and employing its lubricating qualities to remove it, WD-40 is meant to loosen the bonds between rust and the metal surface it has clung to. To eliminate surface rust, simply spray it on the rusted surface, wait 10 minutes, and it will begin to act on the rust.

Can you use steel wool to remove rust?

Soak small items like knives and hand tools in a bowl of vinegar to eliminate rust. You'll have to set them aside for the night. Remove the object and scrub it with steel wool or a metal brush. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a towel.

How do you clean a rusty saw?

You can use blade scrapers to remove surface rust off a rusted saw blade. Hold your blade scraper at a low angle and use brief strokes that go from one end of the blade to the other to accomplish this.