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Polishing jointer tables

3K views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  bbc557ci 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I had an idea and I thought I'd run it by you folks.

The infeed and outfeed tables on my jointer are nice and flat. But the machined top isn't quite as smooth as I would like.

I was thinking of polishing up the tables with high grit sandpaper. Probably start at 600 and work my way to 2,500. Using mineral spirits as a lubricant with a sanding block.

I don't want to actually remove much material because as I said the tables seem flat. But I thought that if I polished it then wood might slide a little better on the tables. And it might look nicer.

My main concern would be making the tables unflat.

Anyone else tried this or is it a fool's errand?
 
#6 ·
Johnson's Paste Wax applied lightly and wiped off well after it gets hazy certainly helps keep the rust down and allows for a smooth operation. I haven't heard of the sawdust trick before. I learn something new daily; thanks guys/gals.
 
#7 ·
I assume that you mean that the tables are Blanchard ground and you can see the pattern left by that process. If that's the case, then the advice given above on paste wax is the way to go. I've also used moulder bed lube. It comes in one gallon jugs and is a clear liquid. It doesn't stain wood, so you can just wipe it on with a sponge or a rag and leave it. I believe that Schmidt sells it.
 
#10 ·
I've used past wax before and it does help keep rust down, also on the table saw. But I've always wondered if when jointing for glue ups, will wax get on the jointed surface and screw up the glue joint. So I always cleared off the in/out feeds before jointing.
 
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