Few woodworking tools are as useful – or gratifying – as the table saw. Not many experiences rival the rhythmic buzz of its blade, the earthy aroma of raw-cut oak or cherry, or the satisfaction of a freshly-smoothed edge of cedar. That’s partly why it’s one of the most popular power tools in use. Power Tool Institute estimates there are about 9.5 million table saws in the U.S. Average per-saw cost is $2,200, but high-end and commercial models can set you back as far as $20,000. Given the size of the investment – not to mention the serious table saw injury risk if not properly kept – smart table saw storage should include a table saw cover that prevents rust and corrosion.

Most table saws are made of cast iron. This allows for minimal vibration, which is key for clean, steady cuts. But as an iron alloy, it’s highly prone to the corrosive process of rust if exposed to even a small amount of moisture or humidity.

Most brand new table saws are coated with a thick layer of protective grease, which keeps corrosion in check while the tool is being warehoused or shipped. Woodworkers must clean this off completely before they can use it. But from then on, the onus is on the new owner to prevent rust.

Unfortunately, there’s more moisture lurking in a woodworking shop than you’d think. That’s because freshly-cut wood ha both bound and unbound moisture. Getting green wood to less than 20 percent moisture takes six months of evaporation. Some woodworkers have moisture meters that can help with this issue, but it won’t eliminate the moisture content of the wood entirely.

Risks of a Rusted Saw

Rust on a table saw is more than an eyesore. It can significantly diminish both the effectiveness and safety of the saw.

Precision is critical in woodworking. Rust can impede the smooth operation of the blade, arbor, or other critical components, which can result in uneven or imprecise cuts.

A rusted blade could also become misaligned. The danger there goes beyond lack of precision; it can cause a wobble – which is associated with potentially dangerous kickback. If corrosion affects the fence and miter gauge of the saw, it could impede easy movement or even lock up, causing uneven cuts or exposing hands and fingers to the risk of injury.

Table saw corrosion has also been associated with electrical issues, as rusted wiring can lead to potential malfunctions. The saw might unexpectedly shut down or even overheat, resulting in a possible fire hazard.

Even if corrosion never results in any immediate hazards, it will inevitably weaken the structural integrity of the saw over time. That can mean more frequent repairs and a shorter lifespan.

How a Zerust VCI Table Saw Cover Can Help

Most woodworkers recognize they need to keep their table saw clean, dry, and covered to prevent corrosion. What’s less widely known is the value of a VCI table saw cover.

VCI stands for vapor corrosion inhibitor. And it does just that: Uses a vapor to inhibit corrosion on metal components.

More specifically, here’s how VCI technology works:

• The product (such as a table saw cover) is created with a vapor corrosion inhibiting chemical formula that protects multiple metal types in an enclosed space.
• The VCI molecules are released inside the enclosed space, migrating to metal surfaces, settling there, and shielding against corrosive elements like oxygen + moisture, dissimilar metals, salt, oil, etc. This protective layer is molecule-thin. It isn’t greasy, doesn’t smell, isn’t toxic, and won’t alter metal, electrical, or other components.
• When the enclosure is opened/the cover removed, those molecules dissipate harmlessly into the air.

Products like table saw covers or capsules made with VCI are generally considered a superior alternative to petroleum-based rust prevention products. There’s no greasing/cleaning labor involved like you’d have with conventional rust prevention coatings. They can have a wide variety of applications – from tools to sporting equipment to firearms to motor vehicles.

Consider too that non-VCI table saw covers can easily trap moisture and oxygen inside the enclosure. That means woodworkers who use run-of-the-mill table saw covers with no VCI are unintentionally accelerating the corrosion process on one of their most valuable tools.

If you have questions about our rust prevention table saw cover or other VCI products, our dedicated anti-corrosion specialists are happy to offer insight and guidance.

Contact Zerust for information on table saw covers by emailing us or calling (330) 405-1965.

Additional Resources:

Table saw injuries: epidemiology and a proposal for preventive measures, Sept. 4, 2014, Plastic Reconstructive Surgery

More Blog Entries:

Affordable Tool Box Rust Prevention for Less Than $5, July 28, 2022, Rust Prevention Blog