On Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 1:29:44 PM UTC-5, Greg Guarino wrote:
The drill press is now less rusty than it was and acceptable for use. Is
there something we could apply to lubricate the column and keep it from
rusting again? Paste wax maybe?

I vote wax. I apply wax to my 1950s vintage Rockwell drill press column. If you apply an oily product, it will collect sawdust and other grime..... same with applying an oil product to vice threads and other like tools, collects sawdust and misc grime.

My Craftsman drill press column needs de-rusting and waxing, as well. Thanks for the reminder.

Sonny