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Using vinegar on a rusty table saw

rage killah

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Sep 8, 2025
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My table saw top and other cast iron tools rusted after a weird weather change. I had a lot of rust to deal with. So I decided to try something different. I used 30% vinegar to clean the rust off everything. After that, I rinsed it all and wiped it down with denatured alcohol. Then I used my air sander with a maroon pad and finished it with a coat of wax. My shop smelled like a pickle factory for a few days but it was worth it. I am really happy with how it turned out. I had not heard of anyone using strong vinegar before. Have you tried this before or do you have any other tips for getting rust off?
 
I used 30% vinegar to clean the rust off everything.
30% vinegar huh? wow, I shoud try this. I usually use EvapoRust. but yeah, it's a bit more expensive, but it's non toxic, non corrosive, and you can submerge parts in it without worrying about damaging the base metal.
 
Wow, I’ve used it on hand tools, but not a full cast iron top, good to know it works well. I usually go with evapo rust for big surfaces, but your method is acually a lot cheaper and clearly effective
 
My table saw top and other cast iron tools rusted after a weird weather change. I had a lot of rust to deal with. So I decided to try something different. I used 30% vinegar to clean the rust off everything. After that, I rinsed it all and wiped it down with denatured alcohol. Then I used my air sander with a maroon pad and finished it with a coat of wax. My shop smelled like a pickle factory for a few days but it was worth it. I am really happy with how it turned out. I had not heard of anyone using strong vinegar before. Have you tried this before or do you have any other tips for getting rust off?
Is that 30:70 vinegar to water?
 
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