When I got my first Shopsmith back in 2011, Johnsons paste wax was already not available in Canada. I have been using the TreWax since day one. It is definitely harder than the descriptions of Johnsons that I have read. For application I use a Scotch Brite scrubber pad, the rougher surface makes it easier get a bit of wax onto the applicator, and also cleans any bumps of crud, or tiny rust spots off the tubes while applying. The pad can be stored in the can and reused. With having a smaller amount of solvent in the mix I suspect that drying time needed is also reduced. A couple of times over the years I have dropped the can, and the contents have shattered into chunks, the solution has been to warm the can in a pot with some hot water till it melted and re consolidated when cooled.
Wax on, Wax off! You have taken a very balanced approach to this maintenance chore. 😁 Interesting that you are going back to your 510 fence system. Exclusively?? Very timely and informative for me. Thanks. Love the bloopers. Keep them coming.
No, I had that table installed while I was using a rear support table that was built to work with the 510. I do prefer the 510, but the 520 has advantages too. You might say I'm on the...
I have used the same can of Johnson Paste Wax for decades. I think I will check our local Ace Hardware and buy their last can if it is still on the top shelf. I think today I will go out and do my over due Spring maintenance. I do appreciate the twenty minute dry period reminder and the table top hint. Thank you for the professional video.
@@CopCat34 I work an our local ACE hardware and it is not available anymore, if your local one has it at a reasonable price I would get all that is left.
I live in Canada and about 10 years ago, Johnson stop selling it in Canadian Stores, so I ask friends of mine to bring me back a couple of cans of Paste wax from the south when the came back, they had 2 tub of Johnson's paste wax and since then I realized I did a good move and was ahead of what was going to happen. I m glad I did it.
My used Shopsmith 510 came with 1/4 can of Trewax, which is now about gone. This is what I have used to wax the machines the entire time I have been a Shopsmith owner, works great. I have a second can of Johnsons that I use for my woodworking projects, it's my "clean" can. The Trewax is my utility can. Inevitably, I end up double dipping when waxing tools, or household items like hinges and such. This contaminates the wax with a bit of dirt that I do not want to add to my furniture finishes. I also wax my bench tubes. I have seen many used Shopsmith machines with pristine way tubes and totally corroded bench tubes. It is worth protecting those, after all if a way tube gets damaged you can move a bench tube up assuming it is not totally tarnished and rusty.
Well, bless your heart, Scott. Thank you for sharing your knowledge on waxing our Shopsmiths. I was fortunate enough to find an old rusty can of Johnsons at an estate sale for a couple of dollars.😊
I've been using Minwax paste wax for several years now. It seems to be very similar to Johnson's. I still have about half a can of Johnson's, but it has dried up a bit and is difficult to apply.
Scott could you do a video on the areas of rip fence that you should and shouldn't wax. And what behind your reasoning for switching between the 510 and the 520 fence?
@@ronziff I installed a 510 table for the video I did with the rear support table that I made years ago for my 510. Because there have been so many fences I’ll just suggest that you refer to the owners manual. Basically you don’t want to wax or lube clamps or clamping surfaces.
You made me feel bad that it has been awhile, so I marched out to the garage and waxed my machine. I keep a small piece of Scotchbrite in my can and use it to apply the wax. Do not really have to grab much wax on it as it keeps full from its residence in the can. It allows me to get any schmutz off easily. I wipe/polish with a Harbor Freight micro fiber cloth I keep for this use. Been happy with the results. Some day, I do want to pull the carriage and headstock and clean those parts ( I’m sure there is some schmutz in there!), but not an issue right now.
Great overview. I love the outtakes! It's just a hint to viewers that there is much more to videos than the finished product. Looking forward to hearing your review of the Tree Wax after you've lived with it a while.
I don’t understand why everyone is freaking out over the discontinued Johnson’s product. Just buy the Minwax product, it’s literally the same and costs very little.
I used Trewax with good results but the seal on the lid is poor and it dries over time to become hard as a rock. Once opened, you need to store the can in a gallon freezer bag.
That's an excellent point and a great tip! I wonder why they went that route with the lid? It is easier to remove than the old Johnson's lid, but that stuff never dries out.
I found out a few months ago Johnson paste wax was discontinued, I found Veritas Tool Wax at Lee Valley for $14.30 for 4.2 oz. Kind of expensive compared to the other waxes. Might just go get some Treewax the next time I’m out.
@@MyGrowthRings see that shopsmith is selling MINWAX Paste Finishing Wax on their site. I found my can of Johnson’s and to my surprise I have enough to last a few more years.
On the waxing subject. I bought a used SS and the headset wouldn't move. I found that the previous owner had waxed it wrong. It had built up so much it wedged the head so it would not move.
I have a decades old can of Johnsons paste wax, now about half empty. It is a shame that the product was discontinued. Woodcraft sell a bar of carnuba wax for $9. Used by wood turners to apply wax to a buffing disc so the spinning buffing disc melts a little of the carnuba wax onto the buffing disc. For your application you may need a hair dryer to get it melting. Some folks rave about micro-crystalline waxes like Renaissance wax, which was developed by the British Museum to protect their antiques. It is not cheap, more expensive in the US than the UK. I have a small container. It is applied sparingly so the small container will last a long time. I also use dry lube like spray PTFE products. Works well, but does need to be re-applied more often than wax. Dave.
There are a lot of people that think Johnson's is the holy grail of paste wax. However, it has been a LONG time since SS sold Johnson's. When I bought my machine new at Woodcraft in 1994 it came with Trewax. That is all I have ever used and I still have about 1/2 a can. The lid is like the Johnson's and it has never been hard. SS now is selling Minwax and has been for a while. I don't know how long before 1994 SS stopped supplying Johnson's or why they switched.
I recently bought a set of 5 shopsmiths with the multitude of attachments. All are in various states and need work/restoration. Any help is appreciated.
I think once I get some Odie’s Oil brand wax, I’ll give that a try. Supposed to be great on metal as well as wood, plastic and concrete. All natural too, smells great too. And still have half a can of Johnsons that the guy I bought my SS from gave to me, just in case.
Probably incorrectly, but I have a really old worn piece of red Scotchbright that I use to wax my machine. Seems to work ok. Again thank you for your videos.
@@aa-rm3gy Sure thing. amzn.to/4f6YnKO We started buying these just before the pandemic and while everyone else was struggling to find paper towels we realized that we can use less with these and that they can even be used for scrubbing.
I have both Johnson’s and Shopsmith’s replacement. I probably will never have to purchase any more. I am interested in the outcome of your experiment. You should be wearing your lab coat and goggles in the lab… 😂
@@Gravel_Rat78 It’s risky, because auto waxes contain polymers, such as silicone, which can cause finish issues. Auto wax is made mostly for sheen, and not for wear, even if it contains carnuba. Considering furniture paste wax is typically less expensive and long wearing, I wouldn’t risk it.
@@MyGrowthRings I watched. lol. Nice info on the shopsmith, btw. I have a. Greenie from the mid. Fifties with a. Jointer. So pls it. Doesnnnt have a serial number
When I got my first Shopsmith back in 2011, Johnsons paste wax was already not available in Canada. I have been using the TreWax since day one. It is definitely harder than the descriptions of Johnsons that I have read. For application I use a Scotch Brite scrubber pad, the rougher surface makes it easier get a bit of wax onto the applicator, and also cleans any bumps of crud, or tiny rust spots off the tubes while applying. The pad can be stored in the can and reused. With having a smaller amount of solvent in the mix I suspect that drying time needed is also reduced. A couple of times over the years I have dropped the can, and the contents have shattered into chunks, the solution has been to warm the can in a pot with some hot water till it melted and re consolidated when cooled.
Wax on, Wax off! You have taken a very balanced approach to this maintenance chore. 😁
Interesting that you are going back to your 510 fence system. Exclusively??
Very timely and informative for me. Thanks.
Love the bloopers. Keep them coming.
No, I had that table installed while I was using a rear support table that was built to work with the 510. I do prefer the 510, but the 520 has advantages too. You might say I'm on the...
@@MyGrowthRings 😂
Great reminder video. Your headstock and carrage slide so easily. A video on adjusting the tubes would be great.
I have used the same can of Johnson Paste Wax for decades. I think I will check our local Ace Hardware and buy their last can if it is still on the top shelf. I think today I will go out and do my over due Spring maintenance. I do appreciate the twenty minute dry period reminder and the table top hint. Thank you for the professional video.
If they still have a can you need to jump on it, but if not, there are other option out there that are also fine.
@@CopCat34 I work an our local ACE hardware and it is not available anymore, if your local one has it at a reasonable price I would get all that is left.
@@buckmcfarland6638@buckmcfarland6638 I went to Ace Hardware immediately after seeing the podcast, and the sole can be sold.
Good work Daniel-san! Thanks for sharing this tip.
I live in Canada and about 10 years ago, Johnson stop selling it in Canadian Stores, so I ask friends of mine to bring me back a couple of cans of Paste wax from the south when the came back, they had 2 tub of Johnson's paste wax and since then I realized I did a good move and was ahead of what was going to happen. I m glad I did it.
@@ab4805 Lucky, eh?
Thanks for the reminder to let it dry for 20 min. Love the take-outs at the end.
@@rschafer8684 Thanks. I was getting so frustrated with myself!
Thanks for the tip. Keep up the awesome work. 👽
I will do my best.
My used Shopsmith 510 came with 1/4 can of Trewax, which is now about gone. This is what I have used to wax the machines the entire time I have been a Shopsmith owner, works great. I have a second can of Johnsons that I use for my woodworking projects, it's my "clean" can. The Trewax is my utility can. Inevitably, I end up double dipping when waxing tools, or household items like hinges and such. This contaminates the wax with a bit of dirt that I do not want to add to my furniture finishes.
I also wax my bench tubes. I have seen many used Shopsmith machines with pristine way tubes and totally corroded bench tubes. It is worth protecting those, after all if a way tube gets damaged you can move a bench tube up assuming it is not totally tarnished and rusty.
Thanks for the review. It is always worthwhile to be reminded of proper maintenance activities. Will look forward to your experiments.
Well, bless your heart, Scott. Thank you for sharing your knowledge on waxing our Shopsmiths. I was fortunate enough to find an old rusty can of Johnsons at an estate sale for a couple of dollars.😊
I've been using Minwax paste wax for several years now. It seems to be very similar to Johnson's. I still have about half a can of Johnson's, but it has dried up a bit and is difficult to apply.
@@ras1500 I understand you can heat it and or apply a little more solvent to it to bring it back to life.
@@MyGrowthRings The ambient temperature is 113 degrees here today, near Phoenix, the Johnson's wax is much softer now.
@@ras1500 I bet it is!
Scott could you do a video on the areas of rip fence that you should and shouldn't wax. And what behind your reasoning for switching between the 510 and the 520 fence?
@@ronziff I installed a 510 table for the video I did with the rear support table that I made years ago for my 510. Because there have been so many fences I’ll just suggest that you refer to the owners manual. Basically you don’t want to wax or lube clamps or clamping surfaces.
I am looking forward to finding out about your experiments!
You made me feel bad that it has been awhile, so I marched out to the garage and waxed my machine. I keep a small piece of Scotchbrite in my can and use it to apply the wax. Do not really have to grab much wax on it as it keeps full from its residence in the can. It allows me to get any schmutz off easily. I wipe/polish with a Harbor Freight micro fiber cloth I keep for this use. Been happy with the results. Some day, I do want to pull the carriage and headstock and clean those parts ( I’m sure there is some schmutz in there!), but not an issue right now.
@@jamesbrunk9817 Sounds like a good system and I’m glad you were moved.
Great overview. I love the outtakes! It's just a hint to viewers that there is much more to videos than the finished product.
Looking forward to hearing your review of the Tree Wax after you've lived with it a while.
Great video. Do you wax the plastic adjustment slide for the table leveling?
@@daveschmitt6369 Plastic adjustment slide? I’m not sure I know what that is.
I don’t understand why everyone is freaking out over the discontinued Johnson’s product. Just buy the Minwax product, it’s literally the same and costs very little.
I used Trewax with good results but the seal on the lid is poor and it dries over time to become hard as a rock. Once opened, you need to store the can in a gallon freezer bag.
That's an excellent point and a great tip! I wonder why they went that route with the lid? It is easier to remove than the old Johnson's lid, but that stuff never dries out.
I found out a few months ago Johnson paste wax was discontinued, I found Veritas Tool Wax at Lee Valley for $14.30 for 4.2 oz. Kind of expensive compared to the other waxes. Might just go get some Treewax the next time I’m out.
I learned that I overpaid for my can of it, but it should last forever.
@@MyGrowthRings see that shopsmith is selling MINWAX Paste Finishing Wax on their site. I found my can of Johnson’s and to my surprise I have enough to last a few more years.
Ya I have been doing this wrong since I bought the shopsmith. The paste wax I have been using is Varathane from home depot. It works I guess?
@@blacknorce I didn’t know they made a wax.
On the waxing subject.
I bought a used SS and the headset wouldn't move.
I found that the previous owner had waxed it wrong. It had built up so much it wedged the head so it would not move.
@@daleclementson8761 I’ve seen that a lot. What a headache!
I have a decades old can of Johnsons paste wax, now about half empty. It is a shame that the product was discontinued.
Woodcraft sell a bar of carnuba wax for $9. Used by wood turners to apply wax to a buffing disc so the spinning buffing disc melts a little of the carnuba wax onto the buffing disc. For your application you may need a hair dryer to get it melting.
Some folks rave about micro-crystalline waxes like Renaissance wax, which was developed by the British Museum to protect their antiques. It is not cheap, more expensive in the US than the UK. I have a small container. It is applied sparingly so the small container will last a long time.
I also use dry lube like spray PTFE products. Works well, but does need to be re-applied more often than wax.
Dave.
@@lv_woodturner3899 You are so right about PTFE. I have a few spots where I use it, but not in the tables or tubes.
There are a lot of people that think Johnson's is the holy grail of paste wax. However, it has been a LONG time since SS sold Johnson's. When I bought my machine new at Woodcraft in 1994 it came with Trewax. That is all I have ever used and I still have about 1/2 a can. The lid is like the Johnson's and it has never been hard. SS now is selling Minwax and has been for a while. I don't know how long before 1994 SS stopped supplying Johnson's or why they switched.
@@johnburger3287 The switch was all about the Benjamins.
One of those cans should be all you'll ever need. I'm still using a can of Butcher's wax that my father bought about 60 years ago.
@@vernonearl It really is a wonder how long that stuff lasts!
I recently bought a set of 5 shopsmiths with the multitude of attachments. All are in various states and need work/restoration. Any help is appreciated.
I think once I get some Odie’s Oil brand wax, I’ll give that a try. Supposed to be great on metal as well as wood, plastic and concrete. All natural too, smells great too. And still have half a can of Johnsons that the guy I bought my SS from gave to me, just in case.
Probably incorrectly, but I have a really old worn piece of red Scotchbright that I use to wax my machine. Seems to work ok. Again thank you for your videos.
Can you supply a brand name/source of the "cloth" paper towels you use for applying the wax ?
@@aa-rm3gy Sure thing. amzn.to/4f6YnKO We started buying these just before the pandemic and while everyone else was struggling to find paper towels we realized that we can use less with these and that they can even be used for scrubbing.
I have both Johnson’s and Shopsmith’s replacement. I probably will never have to purchase any more. I am interested in the outcome of your experiment. You should be wearing your lab coat and goggles in the lab… 😂
Science rules!
WD dry lube?
No thank you. I used, and still have a can of that and it just seems to disappear so quickly from the way tubes.
All true but Johnson's had a unique smell--TURPENTINE--which is probably why it was discontinued.
@@mikeking7470 That could be.
Is there any reason to not use a homemade mix of mineral oil, beeswax and carnuba wax?
@@chrishuber2768 Give it a go!
Why wouldn’t McGuire’s Carnuba paste wax work?
@@Gravel_Rat78 It’s risky, because auto waxes contain polymers, such as silicone, which can cause finish issues. Auto wax is made mostly for sheen, and not for wear, even if it contains carnuba. Considering furniture paste wax is typically less expensive and long wearing, I wouldn’t risk it.
Why don’t you wax the bottom of the way tubes??
@@HikingwiththeBlindBoomer Who said I don’t?
@@MyGrowthRings I watched. lol. Nice info on the shopsmith, btw. I have a. Greenie from the mid. Fifties with a. Jointer. So pls it. Doesnnnt have a serial number
@@HikingwiththeBlindBoomer I wax all the tubes top and bottom, but the tops of the way tubes are the most critical for performance.
I just saw Johnson wax on Amazon for $150 a can, that's more then I paid for my Shopsmith, I will have to up my security system to protect my can
That's insane. I guess I'm off to sell a can or two on Amazon!
Maybe put it in the safe, with the 10mm wrenches, and sockets.. :)