dull machine beds

Hi all
As a newbie to machining I look with some envy at those machines with shiny beds and rails etc. I purchased an old Boxford lathe and a Tom Senior milling machine (now converted to cnc). Both machines were ex-schools machines and I don’t think they have ever been cleaned. Dreadfully caked in suds n stuff.

The machines were cleaned with much gusto, but the beds are still dull. Can anyone offer the best way to clean / polish the beds and rails? Which can be achieved without third party machining.


cheers
joe

Light oil and scotchbrite.

.

What took you so long John ?:tongue:

once again, thanks for the info and benefit of experience

joe

Sorry I'll try harder.