Keep Your Scroll Saw Bed Smooth As Butter

Over time, the bed of your scroll saw can accumulate dust, grime, and sticky residue. This buildup can make it harder to smoothly guide your workpiece, affecting both precision and ease of cutting. Here's an easy way to clean your scroll saw bed and keep it in top condition.

Here's what you'll need:

• WD-40 (the original formula, without silicone*)
• Scotch-Brite pads (make sure it doesn't have soap)
• Mineral spirits Paper towels
• Paste wax
• Clean rags

Here's the process:

1. Spray it down:  Generously spray the surface of your scroll saw bed with WD-40. It helps cut through grime and built-up residue.
2. Scrub away:  Scrub the surface of your scroll saw bed with a Scotch-Brite pad. Make sure it doesn’t have any soap added. I like to cut mine in half to make it easier to mange. Scrub the entire bed to loosen dirt and debris.
3. Wipe away the oil: Use a dry paper towel to remove as much WD-40 as possible. Then dampen a paper towel with mineral spirits and wipe the surface clean. I like putting mineral spirits in a small spray bottle for easy application. Do this a couple of times to make sure nothing is left behind.
4. Apply the wax: The wax will not only protect your bed, it will also help make your workpiece slide easier while you’re scrolling. I prefer Howard Citrus Shield paste wax, but any non-silicone* paste wax will work. Apply a small amount to a clean rag and apply it evenly across the bed.
5. Let it haze: Allow the wax to dry according to the instructions on your can. When the wax looks hazy, it’s usually ready. I let mine sit for 5-10 minutes.
6. Buff it out: Using a clean rag, buff out the wax until the scroll saw bed is smooth and slick.

Now, your workpiece should glide easily across your scroll saw bed, making your cutting tasks much smoother and more enjoyable.

That's all there is to it! A little bit of maintenance can go a long way in keeping your scroll saw performing at its best.

* A note on silicone: Woodworkers typically avoid products with silicone because it acts as a persistent barrier. This may rub off onto your project and may affect gluing and finishing, leading to disappointing results. So, while useful for handyman type applications, woodworkers probably should steer clear of it.