lubricating lathe bed

[rayf6604]

Just wondering what products we prefer for lubricating the lathe bed. I've seen WD40 used and now Jet recommend using paste wax :noidea:
I've used WD40 but i don't find it that great. Your thoughts will be appreciated.

 

[retreatjohn]

I use 'Renaissance' Micro-Crystalline Wax!, works for me!

 

[paulm]

I use wd40 but its only good for a short period. I've also got some silicone spray that makes the shed smell nicer and lasts a bit longer and some Boeing developed wax that is good when storing stuff long time.

 

[silver]

I use beeswax.. Smells nice, feels nice works dam fine.. :wink:

 

[Terry]

I use PTFE spray !!!!

 

[Grump]

Duck oil init?

 

[Jim]

I use wd40 but its only good for a short period. I've also got some silicone spray

Exactly this ^ ^ also i have used some paste wax that i bought and never used on wood ..

 

[chas_41_uk]

I use wd40 but its only good for a short period. I've also got some silicone spray that makes the shed smell nicer and lasts a bit longer and some Boeing developed wax that is good when storing stuff long time.

Yep that's what I do

 

[Walter]

Wax for me every time. Don't like PTFE or silicone near wood. Probably just me being a bit paranoid but if you do get either of them on the wood it can bugger up any subsequent finish.

 

[Woody]

Nothing at all but I have used ptfe if I was not going to be in the workshop for a while to stop rust but never to lubricate

 

[Penpal]

Very thinly applied Camelia Oil.

Peter.

 

[Terry]

Wax for me every time. Don't like PTFE or silicone near wood. Probably just me being a bit paranoid but if you do get either of them on the wood it can bugger up any subsequent finish.

Put it on at the end of the after a clean up. It is dry in seconds so when you turn the following day there are no problems !!!

 

[rayf6604]

Wax for me every time. Don't like PTFE or silicone near wood. Probably just me being a bit paranoid but if you do get either of them on the wood it can bugger up any subsequent finish.

that's a good point about silicon Walter. does the wax not build up over time? also does it make a difference if wax is soft paste like or a hard stick?

 

[Walter]

that's a good point about silicon Walter. does the wax not build up over time? also does it make a difference if wax is soft paste like or a hard stick?

I haven't found it to build up, but I don't do it very often. If you use too much I suppose it could over time but a clean off with white spirit or meths should sort that out. I just use whatever I have to hand, usually a paste but could be a stick, doesn't seem to make much difference.

Very thinly applied Camelia Oil.

Peter.

Yep, that would work. I use it on most of my tools to keep the red devil away. Good stuff.

 

[Philly]

I use graphite powder.

 

[silver]

I use graphite powder.

That's a new one for me, I use graphite powder on the 8 gauge 3oz lead slug Remington industrial gun but never thought of using it for that.

Doesn't it give you a black film on your wood from your hands if you have been touching the bed plate though?

Just a thought..

 

[wm460]

8 gauge 3oz lead slug Remington industrial gun

Tell me more, Have you got ant photo's, us poor buggers are only aloud to have up to 10 gauge here.

 

[Walter]

I liked Peter's camellia oil idea so I cleaned off my lathe bed and gave it a try. Tailstock and banjo now both slide like Buster Keaton on a banana skin.

 

[Grump]

I liked Peter's camellia oil idea so I cleaned off my lathe bed and gave it a try. Tailstock and banjo now both slide like Buster Keaton on a banana skin.

Surely that goes with all and any light oil?
Be interested to hear what you say about the longevity of it?

 

[Walter]

Surely that goes with all and any light oil?
Be interested to hear what you say about the longevity of it?

Probably, but the thing I like about camellia oil when I use it on my woodworking tools is that it doesn't affect other finishes if it gets onto the wood so I know it won't contaminate anything I am turning. I will keep you posted on how well it lasts.