How to protect tools and cast iron from rust
A workshop routine using a hard beeswax paste to stop rust on table saws, plane soles, chisels and cast iron — and help timber glide.
Rust is the workshop’s slow enemy. Bare metal — table-saw tops, plane soles, chisels, cast iron — pulls moisture from the air and starts to corrode. A thin film of hard wax keeps that moisture off and, as a bonus, helps timber glide across machine tables.
Important: Tool & Cast-Iron Wax is a WORKSHOP product. It is NOT food-safe and must never be used on cutting boards or anything that touches food.
Why this wax
Tool & Cast-Iron Wax is a firm paste of beeswax (~67%) and food-grade mineral oil (~33%). It is harder than our kitchen waxes so it lays down a thin, durable, water-resistant film that inhibits surface corrosion and reduces friction.
How to apply
- Make sure the metal is clean, dry and free of existing rust.
- Apply a thin coat with a clean cloth or applicator pad.
- Allow it to haze for a few minutes.
- Buff back to a smooth, low-friction film with a clean dry cloth.
Stay ahead of rust
- Re-apply monthly, or whenever water no longer beads on the surface.
- Treat machine tables more often in humid weather or coastal climates.
- A waxed table saw or plane sole also makes your work glide more smoothly.
