Rockytime Posted June 2, 2018 Report Share Posted June 2, 2018 I guess smoothing is the wrong word. Slick is more appropriate. I wax the table with Johnson paste wax, first applying the paste with a small cloth, giving a bit of time to dry and then polish with a shop cloth. It did not seem slick enough. I had a aerosol can of Amway Wonder Mist Silicone. I've had the can for over 50 years sitting on a shelf. I sprayed the table a couple of times and it made quite a difference. I don't know if it is yet available but I am sure there are similar products in hardware or box stores. lawson56, SCROLLSAW703 and OCtoolguy 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgman Posted June 2, 2018 Report Share Posted June 2, 2018 Les, it is well known in the woodworking world that silicone contamination can affect some finishes. What finish can be affected I’m not sure, but I wouldn’t take the chance. OCtoolguy and SCROLLSAW703 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockytime Posted June 2, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2018 You are probably correct but since the silicone is dry on the table I'm hoping it won't contaminate the wood. At least not on the face. OCtoolguy and SCROLLSAW703 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCROLLSAW703 Posted June 2, 2018 Report Share Posted June 2, 2018 (edited) Howdy Mr. Les. I use wax paper when I've got a project on the saw. But, in between that, I use Johnson's paste wax on the saw deck. I let It dry til it has a white haze over it & then wipe it off, & buff the the deck with a soft cloth. I use Johnson's paste wax on all my saw decks. Edited June 3, 2018 by SCROLLSAW703 OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTTHECLOCKMAN Posted June 2, 2018 Report Share Posted June 2, 2018 I have a clear acrylic extended top on my tables and I do not have to wax it at all. Just keep the dust off now and then. It gives me just enough resistance that the wood does not slide around too easily. Gives me better control. That is the way I like to cut. SCROLLSAW703 and OCtoolguy 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockytime Posted June 2, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2018 17 minutes ago, JTTHECLOCKMAN said: I have a clear acrylic extended top on my tables and I do not have to wax it at all. Just keep the dust off now and then. It gives me just enough resistance that the wood does not slide around too easily. Gives me better control. That is the way I like to cut. I have thought of that option. I have thought of counter top material. OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WayneMahler Posted June 2, 2018 Report Share Posted June 2, 2018 Although silicone is a great lubricant I stay away from it with contact with wood. Cause too many issues when finishing. I use a good quality paste wax easy to apply and clean up. SCROLLSAW703 and OCtoolguy 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTTHECLOCKMAN Posted June 2, 2018 Report Share Posted June 2, 2018 1 hour ago, Rockytime said: I have thought of that option. I have thought of counter top material. I made the top larger that the table to accommodate larger projects. I make alot of mirror that are unstable on the supplied table. OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lawson56 Posted June 2, 2018 Report Share Posted June 2, 2018 Well I guess I have been lucky so far,I have been scrolling fro 19 yrs and have never had to use anything to make my tables any different than they are.They work fine for me. SCROLLSAW703, OCtoolguy and JimErn 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoney Posted June 2, 2018 Report Share Posted June 2, 2018 Laminate works great for a saw table surface and no wax required. OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappile Posted June 2, 2018 Report Share Posted June 2, 2018 Rockytime, I thought the guy that bought you Hawk a while back was going to teach you how to polish your table top. I've been kinda watching posts to read if that happen or not. I'm curious how he does it. I have always read that silicone is not good... do not know from experience though. OCtoolguy and SCROLLSAW703 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockytime Posted June 2, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2018 I'm going to see the guy this week. I'm sure it has to do with sanding very fine grits like 600 to 1000. I'll find out. So far the silicone is working. Also an aluminum table can leave black on the back of the piece being cut. The silicone relieves some of that. Jronn65, OCtoolguy and SCROLLSAW703 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill WIlson Posted June 4, 2018 Report Share Posted June 4, 2018 On 6/1/2018 at 10:04 PM, dgman said: Les, it is well known in the woodworking world that silicone contamination can affect some finishes. What finish can be affected I’m not sure, but I wouldn’t take the chance. One thing I've always heard/read, is that airborne silicone from aerosols can linger for a long time and contaminate wood surfaces that don't even come in direct contact with tables sprayed with silicone. It supposedly causes fish eyes in finishes and is very difficult to get rid of. I've read a few horror stories of guys who had silicone contamination in their shop. Might all be an internet myth, but I'd rather play it safe. Plenty of other products out there that provide the same benefit, without the risks. SCROLLSAW703 and OCtoolguy 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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