When you’re using your table saw for woodworking, you want to ensure that your saw is working as efficiently as possible. When a table saw isn’t appropriately maintained, the tool can be damaged, and the lifespan is effectively shortened.
Waxing is an important maintenance aspect when it comes to table saws! Many great waxes are readily available and are suited for use on table saws.
There are two main types of suitable waxes available: paste waxes and aerosol lubricants. For a wax product to safely protect the metal surface and components of a table saw, it cannot contain any silicone oils that are present in automotive waxes.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about waxing your table saws and the best waxes for the job! First, we’ll take a look at why waxing is an important aspect of table saw maintenance. We’ll then explain what the right type of wax is – and the eight best waxes available today for your table saw!
Do You Need Wax for a Table Saw?
There’s a misconception that using wax on your table saw is purely for visual purposes. However, waxing your table saw does more than keep your power tool looking new. Of course, that aspect surely doesn’t hurt – but there’s a more important reason to wax a table saw.
To keep a table saw working efficiently, you’ll need to regularly clean your power tool. From cleaning to adjusting to lubricating your table saw, there are many different aspects to the upkeep of your saw.
When you add waxing your table saw to that maintenance lineup, you can save time on the other maintenance aspects. That’s because waxing your table saw makes it easier to clean! When your table saw is waxed, sawdust and debris won’t be able to stick to the slick surface of the saw.
In this way, the purpose of waxing your table saw is similar to that of waxing your car. Waxing, of course, protects your car from UV rays, rain, snow, bird droppings, and more. It’s able to do this because the wax forms a protective coating on your vehicle. When it rains on a waxed car, the drops roll right off. The same logic applies when you’re operating a waxed table saw!
Waxing a table saw also prevents oxidation and corrosion. In turn, this ensures that your table saw keeps on performing the way it should. When a table saw is left unwaxed, it will be more susceptible to oxidation and rust – especially if you work in an area with high humidity levels.
That is another similarity between the reasons both cars and table saws need to be waxed: it protects your investments from damaging corrosive elements. In the long run, this can prevent you from forking out unnecessary money repairing your saw or car. Remember: wax is a lot cheaper than buying a new table saw!
To recap, waxing your table saw will: keep it looking new, make it easier to clean, and prevent damage from oxidation and corrosion. However, there’s one more benefit to routinely waxing your table saw: it reduces friction!
When you’re cutting wood with your table saw, your saw regularly comes into contact with pitch and resin compounds within the wooden material. These sticky substances can interfere with your woodworking by creating additional friction. This can even slow you down!
When your table saw is waxed and clean, you reduce the friction. This means that you can work more efficiently while creating perfect cut after perfect cut. When you consider all of the benefits of waxing your table saw, you’ll find it should be a necessity.
Keep reading as we break down everything you need to know about table saw waxes, from how to use them to the best waxes available today!
Can I Use Car Wax on My Table Saw?
As discussed above, there are many similarities between the reasons both vehicles and table saws are waxed. Ultimately, this comes down to the additional protection waxing provides. However, you may be wondering just how far these similarities extend: can you use car wax on your table saw?
Even though the reasons for waxing cars and table saws are similar, the waxes used to maintain the two are very different. Due to this, you cannot use car wax on your table saw. Earlier, we compared water rolling off a waxed car to sawdust not sticking to a waxed table saw.
While the wax here fulfills the same role, essentially, think about how different water is from sawdust! For the wax to act as a water repellent, waxes designed for vehicles utilize silicone oil as an ingredient.
This allows water to easily run off waxed cars. However, where your table saw is concerned, water shouldn’t be a factor at all! Instead, you need to protect your table saw from the buildup of sawdust and other unwanted particles.
In general, automotive waxes should be avoided where metal surfaces and industrial machinery is concerned. That’s because these waxes are formulated to be applied to painted metal surfaces. The formulation of these waxes, which includes silicone oil, has a higher moisture content than other waxes.
This means that, should you use a product that contains silicone wax on your table saw, you could inadvertently damage it. When waxes designed for automotive uses are used on a table saw, it can promote corrosion and rust on the metal surface of your power tool.
In fact, when waxing any part of your workstation that comes into contact with your wooden material, you should avoid products that contain silicone oil. This includes furniture polish. When the wood you plan on cutting comes into contact with this substance, it can hinder your workflow and increase friction.
For this reason, you want to use a wax that can be safely used on power tools. After all, you don’t want to make the same mistake as woodworkers who have used the wrong type of wax on their table saw. That can, somewhat ironically, make your table saw harder to clean – the opposite effect of using the right type of wax.
When it comes down to finding the perfect wax for your table saw, you want to ensure that you find one suited to your power tool. Luckily, we’ll make that a lot easier for you by breaking down the best table waxes for your table saw! Keep reading as we explain what type of wax you should be using on your table saw!
What Kind of wax Should I Use on My Table Saw?
As discussed above, automotive waxes should be avoided when looking for a wax suited to your table saw. Now the question becomes: what type of wax can I use on my table saw? Well, there are quite a few options for you to choose from. Before we take a look at those, let’s take a look at what all of these waxes have in common.
The most popular type of wax for table saws is known as paste wax. Using a paste wax on your table saw will enhance the appearance of the metal surface while increasing its durability and efficiency.
In fact, paste wax can even be used to keep your table saw’s blade in proper working condition. After all, the cuts made with your chop saw are only as good as the blade you’re using! However, there’s another type of wax that can be used to protect your table saw.
Aerosol lubricants for table saws are becoming increasingly popular. Due to the nature of aerosol cans, these products are easy to apply. In some cases, aerosol lubricants can protect your tools for longer than your average paste wax will.
Both paste waxes and aerosol lubricants that are suited to use on your table saw will be free of silicone oils. As discussed earlier, these oils can be harmful to your table saw and even the wood you are working with. Whether you get a paste wax or an aerosol lubricant, your table saw will be appropriately protected.
The application process will vary depending on which of the suitable products you decide to get. The manufacturer of your chosen paste wax or aerosol lubricant will supply application instructions.
Generally, paste waxes are applied to the table saw before drying for fifteen minutes. Once this has dried, the wax layer can be buffed using a rag or cloth. With an aerosol product, on the other hand, you would spray the surface of the table saw using the included nozzle.
To reap the advantages of a waxed table saw, as discussed earlier in this article, you’ll need to ensure that your saw remains waxed. This means reapplying the wax when needed. Unfortunately, there is no golden rule to reapplication. This may even vary depending on which products you use.
Once you’ve applied the wax to your table saw, you’ll see exactly what a waxed table saw should look like. Once that sheen begins to fade, it’s generally time to reapply the wax coating. If you notice your table saw leaving a mark on your wooden material, it’s a sign that sawdust is building up on your saw and that the wax coating needs to be reapplied.
The 8 Best Waxes for Your Table Saw
Below, we’ve outlined the eight best waxes for your table saw! Whether you purchase your chosen wax online or at your local hardware store, your table saw will be better off for it – and so will your woodworking!
#1: Bostik Glidecote Table and Tool Surface Sealant
This surface sealant is perfect for your table saw and your workstation! Bostik makes application easier than ever with this handy aerosol can. With this easy-to-use product, you can effectively repel dust and moisture from your saw while eliminating unwanted friction.
Bostik estimates that this aerosol sealant lasts up to three times as long as other waxes for table saws. Furthermore, Bostik knows that silicone oils have no use near your table saw and have ensured that their product is perfectly optimized for protecting your saw and workstation.
This product used to be known as ‘Top-Cote’ and may still be sold under this name in certain areas.
#2: Minwax Paste Finishing Wax
Minwax’s paste wax is one of the best choices for your table saw. Not only will this wax leave your table saw looking shiny and new, but it’s also easy to apply! Once buffed, this wax will create a sleek satin finish on your table saw. Once applied, this affordable paste wax will be dry within fifteen minutes.
#3: SC Johnson Paste Wax
SC Johnson’s Paste Wax is highly popular in the woodworking community. Not only is this wax readily available in-store and online, but it will optimize the performance of your table saw. This versatile product can be used to protect a variety of different surfaces – including metal. This wax is also optimized to prevent wax buildup and makes reapplication easier than ever!
#4: Trewax Clear Paste Wax
This paste wax from Trewax dates back to the early twentieth century – not that’s a history of quality that you can trust. This paste wax is one of the strongest waxes produced from vegetable extracts. Not only is this wax easy to apply and quick to dry, but it’s also slip-resistant. Overall, this can improve your efficiency while woodworking!
#5: Lundmark Carnauba Paste Wax
Lundmark’s paste wax is a versatile wax paste. As you wax your table saw with this product – which is perfectly suited to appliances and metal surfaces – this wax will clean your saw while adding a protective layer of Carnauba film. Furthermore, this paste wax is guaranteed not to discolor wooden surfaces!
#6: E.J. Wheaton Co. Microcrystalline Wax Polish
When it comes down to protecting and preserving the metal surface, and components of your table saw, this wax polish from E.J Wheaton Co. is more than cut out for the task! This wax polish has a smooth texture that makes it simple to apply to your table saw. Furthermore, there is no silicone oil present within this wax, making it an ideal choice for woodworkers.
#7: Boeshield T-9 Rust & Corrosion Protection/Inhibitor and Waterproof Lubrication
Like the Bostik Glidecote discussed earlier, this product also comes in a nifty aerosol container. Not only is this a great way to protect your table saw, but you’ll be able to use this product on everything from your bicycle to an RV. Once applied to your saw, this protective coating will remove dirt and will protect your saw for months at a time.
#8: Butcher’s Bowling Alley Paste Wax
Butcher’s Bowling Alley Paste Wax has been a trusted household brand for a long time. This product is also a go-to for woodworkers when it comes to waxing their table saws. This product is free from silicone oils and beeswax and is perfectly suited to metal surfaces and industrial machinery. Once you’ve waxed your table saw, you’ll find plenty of other uses for this great product around the house!
Conclusion
In this article, we explained everything you need to know about waxing your table saw. From the advantages of waxing a table saw to the best products to protect your power tool, our comprehensive guide will allow you to protect your table saw while enhancing your efficiency.