How to Wax a Table Saw Top Correctly (4 Simple Steps)

You often hear experienced woodworkers say: waxing a table saw top is super important. But why? And if that is indeed the case, how do you proceed?

Well, applying wax as a table saw coating has the main purpose of cast iron rust prevention. It is a simple job in which you successively clean the table saw top, apply wax, and then polish.

In this article, I’ll show you how to wax a table saw top correctly, plus you will discover a few extra steps that few talks about, but that can make a big difference.

Waxing a table saw top is one of the tasks that i describe in my main article about table saw maintenance. Please check out my main article about table saw maintenance here to keep your table saw in the best possible condition. Do not miss this article!

Why Should You Wax a Table Saw Top?

Minimizes oxidation

Metal tends to corrode when exposed to water or oxygen. When you wax the metal table saw top regularly, you can reduce oxidation and reduce or prevent rusting. This is because the table saw wax forms a protective layer on the metal, which blocks water and oxygen. However, you need to understand that the table saw top should be rust-free before you apply any wax. To remove rust in the best way, check out my step-by-step instructions on how to remove rust from a table saw top here.

Reduces friction

When you wax the table saw, you reduce friction and make it easy for the piece of wood to slide through the table with less effort. In addition, the table saw wax will minimize the sticking of resin present in the wood to the table saw. This can solve a lot of of the table saw problems listed in this article.

Easy to clean

If you wax your table saw often, you’ll soon discover that it’s easy to clean. The dirt and gunk will find it difficult to stick around your table saw and table surface with a waxy coating. They would instead slide and fall to the ground.

Make your table saw look better

One last reason is really just an aesthetic reason. A table saw that has been waxed is simply very pleasant to look at. Proper tools and a clean workplace are always conducive to working.

What materials do you need to wax a table saw top

Of course, you need a table saw wax. If you have no idea where to look, my article, What Is the Best Table Saw Wax (8 Options) is a good resource.

Furthermore, I recommend WD40 for cleaning, sandpaper, and benzene for degreasing.

To apply all products to the table saw top, it is best to use a few lint-free soft cloths.

How To Wax A Table Saw Top Step #1: Remove dirt

Wood contains resins, more specifically softwoods, such as pine, really do contain a lot of resins. Unseen, these end up on your table saw top and stick. Over time, the amount of them can build up and because they are sticky, they will also trap fine dust. This ensures that the wood can slide less well over the table saw and that you as a user will have to make a greater effort while cutting.

Waxing a table saw top really makes no sense if these resin residues are present on the saw table top and must therefore be removed before we can apply the table saw coating.

In my article, How to clean a table saw top, I explain step by step how to approach this and prepare the table saw for waxing. So before you read any further on how to wax a table saw top, check out that article first and then come back to read the rest of this article.

How To Wax A Table Saw Top Step #2: Cleaning

If you have read the article about cleaning the table saw top, you will have seen that for this step products are used that are made on a silicone base.

When wood absorbs these products, this can later cause stains, or if the wood is painted, there can be fish eyes in the paint.

Cleaning with an agent such as benzene or thinner is therefore recommended.

Apply some of the product to a soft cloth and remove all dirt and product residue by making circular motions over the table saw surface.

How To Wax A Table Saw Top Step #3: Wax On

Ok, now that all preparations have been made, you are ready to apply the table saw top protection. To do this, take a non-fluffy soft cloth and apply quite a bit of wax. You spread the wax over the surface by making circular movements.

Make sure that the table saw wax remains sufficiently on the table saw top. You should be able to clearly see that the wax is there and notice a difference between where you’ve been and where you haven’t.

Apply the wax with a few simple movements. If you rub too much, you will remove the wax again, which is much too early in this step.

The Crucial Step 90% Of People Ignore

I have often seen people waxing their table saws, and every time I can see that they are so focused on the table saw top that they forget some other important parts.

So here’s the tip that others rarely, if ever, talk about but will make a big difference.

When waxing the table saw top, it’s a good idea to also wax the rail where the fence runs on, as well as the fence itself. Waxing the rail, in conjunction with the underside of the railing, makes it much easier to glide over the surface and requires less effort. In addition, you can also wax the side of the fence (the place where the wood slides along) to make pushing the wood through the blade even easier.

How To Wax A Table Saw Top Step #4: Wax Off

Once the wax has been applied, wait about 15 minutes for the wax to harden.
Then you can take a new lint-free cloth and polish the wax. This removes all excess wax and makes the surface smooth.

Do this by making circular movements. Don’t forget to polish the fence rail and the fence itself.

As a result, a coating is applied and thanks to this table saw coating you have the perfect cast iron rust prevention.

Your table saw is now operational. But before you go and make that first cut, I suggest you check out my article, 5 Basic Table Saw Tips You Shouldn’t Ignore. There you will find helpful tips that will let you make the most out of your table saw.