I have often heard advice to use “paste wax” on my table saw and other equipment as a lubricant.  What exactly is “paste wax” in this context? Is this some type of furniture product?  Would you please supply details about “paste wax” as a lubricant?  I would appreciate a specific brand name. - Joe

Chris Marshall: Any hard furniture wax in a can will work as a lubricant and general protective covering for bare metal on tool surfaces. I happen to have a can of Minwax® Paste Finishing Wax in the shop right now, but it wouldn’t have to be that brand. The purpose of the wax is to reduce friction so workpieces slide more easily. I use it on my band saw, table saw, jointer and planer tables. It also prevents rusting on cast iron and steel from those inevitable sweat drips or damp air. Just wipe the wax on, wait for it to dry to a haze and wipe it off—like waxing a car. I’ve also had good luck with other spray-on products like Bostik® TopCote and Boeshield T-9®.

Rob Johnstone: As Chris said, brand is not really important for this application. I’ve used Briwax®, Johnson’s® Paste Wax, Liberon and others. What I would add to this is that there are some paste waxes with colored pigment suspended in the mixture. I wouldn’t use those on your equipment, simply to avoid getting a color transferred unintentionally on to your wood.