Shopsmith Forums

So the rust has been removed from the bench tubes on both the 50's 500 and 80's 510 that I have been refurbishing. Rust cathodicaly removed and the tubes sanded down to 2000 grit. They look good; the question is how to keep them that way.
- Penetrol and a lifetime of waxing
- Penetrol and a layer of Rustoleum Crystal Clear
- just wax
- just clear coat?

Thoughts, experience?

Thanks.

The 50's Mark 5 had painted bench tubes(light gray).

I would just wax the 80's 510.

Bench tubes - penetrol
Way tubes - wax

I've had outstanding results with Penetrol. For surfaces that need to be slippery, I rub it thoroughly into the pores, and let it dry overnight. Next day, I wipe it off the surface using a rag wetted with WD-40, but not so thoroughly as to clean the Penetrol out of the pores. Then, wax as needed. With this process, I've never had rust recur.