788 with rusting on top

[Capt Weasel]

Bought my 788 in March of this year. I noticed today that the edges are beginning to rust. It hasn't been exposed to any weather nor scratched / damaged. Would this be a warranty issue I should call them about or take it back to the seller? I wouldn't think she would rust much less in 6 months time. Anybody else have this kind of trouble or heard of it?

[lucky788scroller]

Its a cast iron table, it will rust just from the moisture in the air. I think Dewalt would laugh at anyone claiming that as a defect. If your table is flat (check it with a straightedge), keep it, if your table is not flat, try getting a new one because of the flatness, NOT because of surface rust. For the rust, give her a good rubdown with steel wool and or 400 grit sandpaper. Blow and wipe off the dust. Wipe the table edges and top with rubbing alcohol, and that will dry in a few seconds. Then (the most important part) apply a coating of a NON silicone containing wax. I use Johnsons paste wax. Every once in a while, rewax it. Dale

[ozarkhillbilly]

I purchased my DeWalt in April of this year, and am experiencing the same problem, the location of my rust area's are primarily on the table top where my arms or wrist rest as I am guiding the projects with my hands. Roughly in the 5:00 and 7:00 o:clock postions.

Just follow Dale suggestions and all will be well!

[Forester21]

I don't know - I've had mine for about 8 years now and never got any rust. Never treated it either. ???
Theresa E

[Sawduster]

Had mine since March, same scenario as Bill, same solution as Dale, although the rubbing alcohol is an excellent idea that I hadn't heard of before
Thanx Dale

[Marsha]

I've had my Dewalt 4 or 5 years now and I'm with Theresa, I've never seen any rust. Maybe this is a problem with the newer models we've been hearing so much about.
Marsha

[Greenfield_Bob]

I have a Delta P-20 and mine has rust where my wrists lay on the table.
I use 400 grit sandpaper and then put Johnson's wax on the table.

Bob

[Mick Walker]

Theresa and Marsha, try applying some paste wax to your table whether there is rust or not. The wood will slide much easier on it. I have never had a rust problem either but still apply Johnson's paste wax every month or so.
Mick Delta P-20

[Eric]

I have a Dremel and have rust marks in the same area as most of you. I like to spray it with a top coat seal every once in a while which also helps in gliding the work on the table.

Eric

[Bill Wilson]

As Dale said, the rust is the result of the relative humidity in the area where the saw is located. Even those who have commented on rust spots where their wrists rest on the table are probably experiencing higher humidity than ideal. Higher humidity, more persipiration and it won't evaporate, so it stays on the table and allows it to rust.

Tools with cast iron tops aren't coated or painted from the factory (at least not with anything you want to leave on) and unprotected are very vulnerable to rust, maybe even more so than other unpainted metal surfaces. So it's up to you to take care of the rust, but more importantly try & improve the conditions in the shop. I realize that isn't always possible, especially in garage shops. I use a dehumidifier from May to October in my basement and during cold weather, I primarily heat with wood/coal, so I have no problems with any rust. I've had my DW788 for a couple years now with no rust at all. However, coating with a non-silocone wax is a good idea anyway. It helps the wood slide much easier on the table. I do it with all my metal/cast iron tool table tops.