Best Waxes for Table Saw 2023

October 4, 2023

The paste wax will enable the wood piece to slide smoothly across the table saw when cutting. It is easy to apply. You only need to wipe a light paste wax coat across the tabletop surface. However, you should ensure that you cover all the surface areas that would come in contact with the wood piece. Then, let the paste wax dry for ten minutes. Afterward, slowly buff the surface with a clean cloth using circular motions.

Wax that You Should Use on Your Table

When it comes to lubricating the table saw, the best wax to use is paste wax. Experts would readily recommend the paste wax by applying it to your saw blade. Do not use waxes with silicone oil because these waxes linger and may damage your wood. Aside from making the saw blade appear good as if it is new, it will also improve the reliability and durability of your table saw.

Why Should You Wax Your Table Saw?

There are substantial reasons why you should wax your table saw. First, your table saw will look shiny and new. Second, you will find it easier to clean, aside from reducing friction while you cut. Here is a rundown of the succinct reasons why you should wax your table saw:

Reduces Friction

The primary reason why you should wax your table saw is friction reduction. Wood essentially contains resin or pitch. These resins are sticky and tar-like. These substances will eventually coat the fence and table of your table saw, and they add up to friction.

So, when you wax the table saw, you reduce friction, and you make it easy for the wood piece to slide through the table. With wax, you minimize the sticking of resin to the table saw. In a way, you maximize the table saw performance when you wax the table saw. 

You can also inspect the table insert, and throat plate of the table saw, and you will find that there are buildups of gunk in those places. These buildups of gunk are not a pleasant sight to behold and will slow down the wood sliding over the table.

Makes Your Table Saw Look Better

Another reason you should wax your table saw is to make it pleasant to look at. You feel good whenever your table saw is looking good. This is because our mood is affected by what we see. You would not feel better if your table saw looks messy. But if it looks clean and sparkling, you will indeed feel good. Moreover, your workspace will be conducive for working.

Easy to Clean

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

The wax keeps the surface slippery. In this way, the dirt will slip and slide away from the surface of the table saw. Sawdust will likewise not accumulate if you keep your table saw shiny and waxy.

Minimizes Oxidation

Metal tends to corrode when it is exposed to water or oxygen. Since the table saw features a metal body. It is also susceptible to corrosion. But if you wax it more often, you can reduce oxidation and lessen or prevent rusting.

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The Most Recommended Table Saw Waxes

After knowing the benefits of waxing your table saw, you may want to start waxing your table saw. However, there are many wax brands and models in the market, and choosing may be a bit confusing. Hence, we are giving you a rundown of the most recommended waxes for table saw:

Last update on 2024-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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1) Minwax 785004444

The Minwax 785004444 is a product rolled out by Minwax, a trusted brand that supplies wax for antiques, furniture, doors, and tables. A long history of manufacturing this line of products backs this brand. Moreover, this brand’s wax products get better over the years. So, if you are looking for a wax product for your table saw, you can count on this brand. 

With the Minwax 785004444, you can make your table saw smooth and shiny. Remember that you will find it hard to achieve a very smooth cut with the table saw without a smooth tabletop surface. If your saw blade is sharp and brand new and you still get a messy finish, then it might be a case of a dirty and sticky tabletop. 

So, you might as well coat your tabletop with Minwax. You only need to use a clean cloth to apply this wax. You can apply two coats of Minwax with an interval of 10 to 15 minutes on the surface of the tabletop for maximum effect.

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2) SC Johnson Paste Wax

Another excellent option when it comes to wax is the SC Johnson Paste Wax. It can keep your tabletop smooth, and you can also use it for polishing your furniture. The SC Johnson Paste Wax is a premium product that is quick drying. It dries within an hour or less. This wax also doesn’t emit a strong smell that could be irritating, for it is odorless. Moreover, it is easy to apply on the tabletop surface. Besides, it is affordable.

To apply this wax on the tabletop surface, you first need to clean the surface of sticky spots and dirt. You can use a solvent-based cleaner for this purpose. You can likewise use water with mild soap to clean furniture. Afterward, you can apply a thin coat evenly on the tabletop surface while following the grain. Then, let it dry and buff using a soft cloth.

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3) Trewax Clear Paste Wax

The Trewax consists of natural paste wax laced with carnauba. Carnauba is considered the hardest wax in the world. It is also referred to as the Brazilian wax. This wax does not contain any ingredient that is harmful to its user. 

With the Trewax, you can make your tabletop frictionless and look good. This paste wax is a multipurpose wax that you can use with your furniture. You can also use the rest of this paste wax on the marbled floor as well as bronze tools. 

You can buy this paste wax in small packs of 12.35 ounces. With this small amount, you can cover up to 800 square feet surface. After applying this paste wax, you can let it dry for a while. It is also not that slippery.

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4) Bostik 10220

Keeping the tabletop clean is essential to achieving a fine finish and cuts on a table saw. With the Bostik 10220, you can reduce friction while the wood piece slides along the tabletop surface. The Bostik 10220 can provide you with a durable coating. It also has an anti-corrosive property to ensure that the table surface is free of rust. Applying this wax on the surface dramatically reduces the surface friction, allowing the wood to slide with less resistance. 

The Bostik 10220 is also suitable for jointer beds, furniture, hand tools, and many other applications. As a caveat, you should only use it as a surface coating because it only registers a low-temperature rating. It is not for internal use. 

It is easy to use. You must only spray it over the tabletop surface and let it dry for a while. You don’t need to engage in buffing, for the coat will keep the surface excellent for a long time. The good thing about the Bostik 10220 is that it is affordable.

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Steps on Waxing Your Table Saw

If it’s your first time waxing your table saw, you might be a bit confused about how to do it. Hence, we are delineating here the succinct steps on how to wax your table saw:

1. Disconnect your table saw from the power outlet to ensure that you will not accidentally turn it on.
2. Clean the table saw using a vacuum. You can use a Shop-Vac to remove sawdust and dirt from the table. 
3. Then start sanding the surface to correct the imperfections. Please focus on the parts where oxidation has set it. Sand the area before applying the wax.
4. Afterward, you can remove the resin or pitch. You can find the buildup of this residue of resin or gunk on the table insert and fence. To remove resin or gunk, you can use a commercial pitch remover. You can likewise use a paint thinner to clean this pitch or resin. To use the thinner, you can dip a rag into the paint thinner. Afterward, you can rub the rag on areas where there is a buildup of gunk. 
5. Once you are sure that you remove the imperfections and pitch, you can apply the wax. Appy a bit of wax on the rag. Then, wipe the table extensions with the rag. Also, use some of the paste wax on the rip fence rails. Moreover, you should apply wax on the rip fence sides. Then, apply wax on the rip fence bottom. Afterward, you should apply wax on the miter gauge.

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Things You Should Avoid When Lubricating Table Saw

After knowing the simple steps on how to wax your table saw to keep them lubricated and to reduce friction while cutting, it will also help to know the things you should avoid when waxing table saw:

• You should avoid using silicone oil on your tabletops. The silicone may come in contact with the wood piece. You should also avoid spraying this aerosol on your wood because the silicone oil may cause the onset of fish-eye problems.

• You should avoid using automotive wax on your tabletop because this type of wax is not fit for use on your table saw. It contains silicone which may lead to problems like staining and painting problems. 

• Avoid paste wax for cars or any paste wax that contains silicone oil. Most floor waxes don’t come with silicone oil because silicone oil makes the floor slippery. It would help if you instead used paste wax on your tabletops and stationary machines. 

• Do not fall for imported paste waxes that are overhyped. They are not different from paste waxes saved for the solvent’s evaporation rate that comes with the waxes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Aside from knowing the most recommended paste was in the market and the tips and caveats when applying paste wax on the table saw, it will also help to be mindful of the following frequently asked questions about paste wax for table saw:

What Wax Should You Not Use on Your Table Saw?

You can use different types of paste waxes on your table saw. As long as these waxes don’t contain silicone or are not silicone-based waxes, you can use them. Silicone-based products usually leave a residue that can stick onto the wood. This residue can damage the wood over time. 

What Other Cutting Equipment Can You Wax?

You can wax any saw that comes with a tabletop. Waxing the tabletop allows the workpiece to slide smoother along the tabletop surface, allowing for ease of cutting. Moreover, you should also consider waxing even your band saw, and miter saw.

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Conclusion

You don’t wish to be exerting too much effort when you cut with your table saw because you want the cutting process to be as smooth as possible. Yet, if the tabletop is dirty and full of gunk, you will find it hard to move the wood over the tabletop. So, you need to smoothen the tabletop’s surface to ensure that the wood will have a smooth ride over the table. 

The abovementioned paste waxes allow you to smoothen the surface of your tabletop. It can make the surface, and your table saw look new and facilitate the cutting process for you. Waxing your table saw is not rocket science. You can quickly get the hang of it as long as you know the simple steps mentioned above and the tips you need to bear in mind when waxing your table saw.