Wax is the way to go just clean it when it gets diry and keep wax on it . you can use car wax, or floor wax.

 

I use SB Johnson Paste Wax (in the yellow can) from Lowes. I also cover my cast iron machines with thick towels during the winter months because my garage is not heated to try to minimize any rust from getting on them. The wax supposedly helps also.

 

Thanks I like the towel idea , I just do not want to get any rust on my saw, I read some reviews on a product called T 9 , some kind of spray lubricant with a protective coating have any of you ever tried or heard of this.

 

I use car wax on mine to protect it from humidity and just general moisture. If I'm going to be away from the work shop for an extended period of time I have a "cover" my wife sewed up from some camping tarps that are semi waterproof and "fitted" for my saw.

Oh, and since my workshop is in the basement I usually have a dehumidifier going at a slow rate to keep all my stuff dry. Maybe this is all over kill but spending a day cleaning surface rust off a table top rather than cutting wood proves the ouch of prevention motto

 

wax, or you can use Boeshield T-9 which lasts somewhat longer but also more expensive.

I also throw a moving blanket over each machine during long periods of time when I'm not using them to help with humidity and general dust and dirt.

 

I use TopCoat. Lasts a long time, keeps it slick and prevents rust.

 

You should have very little rust problems in your area. You live in a low humidity zone. Paste wax will do every thing you need and then some. Enjoy the new saw and congradulations, neighbor.
Rand

 

I've heard that using car wax is generally a bad idea since the silcone in it will ruin a finish on wood. I use Johnson's Paste wax for my saw.

 

I've heard many answers to this. I've had my workshop for 50 years with numerous cast iron surfaces including metal lathes and milling machines with no problems. Of course it depends on the moisture and salt content of the air where you live. I live in moisture-laden Atlanta, Georgia USA where you have to cut your way through the humidity in the summer. In all of these years I have used WD-40 which was developed for the U.S. Navy to deal with rust on machine surfaces and I have no problem if it is done properly. WD-40 is made to DISPLACE moisture on metal surfaces. It enters the pores of a metal surface and forces the moisture out, then forms a coating to keep moisture out (I read this on their website). About once a year I liberally spray WD-40 on my cast iron machine surfaces and tools and leave it overnight to do its job. Then I wipe off the surfaces the following day with a paper towel. It leaves no noticeable oily residue, does not soak up into sawdust, and doesn't get on any wood I work with. No rust in my shop! I'm sold on the stuff.

Planeman

 

Slip-It.

http://slipit.com/prodsfsc.html

 

I use a product called Top Coat on all my cast iron surfaces. It is less expensive than T9 and readily available in places like Home Depot. It is not picked up by the wood and will not affect any finishing product you use.