Shopsmith Forums

I asked this question about the metal table for the band saw, but maybe the answer is different for these.

The lathe cups and drives have a black finish on them. I'm guessing it's some sort of black oxide finish, since it isn't paint, it doesn't stop rust, and any rust remover takes it right off.

Any idea what it actually is, and where I can get some more to re-finish them with?

I have found this product (or similar) to be very nice:
https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=5400

mrblanche wrote:I asked this question about the metal table for the band saw, but maybe the answer is different for these.

The lathe cups and drives have a black finish on them. I'm guessing it's some sort of black oxide finish, since it isn't paint, it doesn't stop rust, and any rust remover takes it right off.

Any idea what it actually is, and where I can get some more to re-finish them with?

It is black oxide of iron!(rust) Hence is removed by rust remover. It does not prevent further rusting, but does retard it(and it does absorb oil which keeps the oxygen away from it).

For myself, good old johnson's paste wax!