The table of a paper cutter requires periodic maintenance to remove surface oxidation.  Polishing is also required to provide a smooth surface for paper to move freely.  The frequency of this maintenance will be determined by a number of factors.  Among these are the humidity, environmental dust, handprints, liquid spills, and type of paper stock. We recommend the use of the Challenge Cutter Care Kit P/N 16077 for of your table care needs.

To prepare a new machine’s table, follow the procedure below:

1. Remove the rust-protective coating from the table with a solvent.

2. Remove all solvent residue from the table with a dry cloth.  Continue until the cloth your are using shows no sign of residue.

3. Apply a light coating of an SAE 10-weight non-detergent motor oil or equivalent to the table and allow it to penetrate for at least one hour. 

4. Remove all excess oil from the table with paper toweling (not cloth) until the paper towel you are using shows no sign of oil.

5. Apply a paste wax (Challenge P/N 16078) to the table to seal the pores of the metal. 

Note:  Do not use a wax that contains a cleaning compound on the table.  The cleaner contains microscopic abrasive particles that will cause wear between the table and the bottom of the backgauge.  A silicone spray (Challenge P/N 16079) will show the same type of wear as the cleaner if the excess silicone is not removed.  If the excess is not removed, the silicone spray has a substance that holds the silicone to the surface it is sprayed on that causes a black, gummy build-up under the backgauge.  If a silicone spray is used, paper toweling must be used to remove the excess to prevent this wear and build-up.

To clean surface oxidation from a table, follow the procedure below:

1. Spray “Rust-B-Gone” (Challenge P/N 16080) on the table and allow it to dissolve the rust.  Then remove it with paper toweling.  Or, pour a small quantity of an SAE 10-weight motor oil onto the table.  Using a Scotch-Brite Pad or a 400 grit sand paper, polish the table following the “grain” of the metal until all oxidation is removed to your satisfaction. 

2. Remove all of the oil from the table until the cloth you are using shows no sign of residue.

3. Apply a light coating of an SAE 10-weight non-detergent motor oil or equivalent to the table and allow it to penetrate for at least one hour. 

4. Remove all excess oil from the table with paper toweling (not cloth) until the paper towel you are using shows no sign of oil.

5. Apply a paste wax (Challenge P/N 16078) to the table to seal the pores of the metal. 

Note:  Do not use a wax that contains a cleaning compound on the table.  The cleaner contains microscopic abrasive particles that will cause wear between the table and the bottom of the backgauge.  A silicone spray (Challenge P/N 16079) will show the same type of wear as the cleaner if the excess silicone is not removed.  If the excess is not removed, the silicone spray has a substance that holds the silicone to the surface it is sprayed on that causes a black, gummy build-up under the backgauge.  If a silicone spray is used, paper toweling must be used to remove the excess to prevent this wear and build-up.