Hey everyone! I've been experimenting with different techniques for preparing wood surfaces before planing. I read in the Toshio date book about using a little water to swell the wood fibers for a cleaner cut, but as a western-style plane user, I'm worried about rusting my tools. I've tried mineral spirits, and while they work well, I'm not exactly a fan of how toxic they can be. Alcohol is okay too, but it evaporates too quickly for my liking. I want to be able to see the wood better after removing a layer. So, I'm looking for alternatives to mineral spirits that are less harmful but still effective. Any suggestions?
3 Answers
If you're set on using something, hydrotreated mineral spirits are one option that’s less harsh and should avoid raising the grain. I’ve experimented a bit with higher boiling point solvents like 'extra heavy naphtha.' They can be a bit gentler on your workspace air. But honestly, if you can isolate your planing area, you can explore more options without worrying about fumes.
Yeah, I think waiting for the wood to dry before you plane is crucial. Dampening should help without making you worry about rust. Also, if you're using a chipbreaker, you might not even need to moisten the wood in the first place!
You could just use water! Create a rag in a can setup to keep your tools rust-free. Applying it directly to the wood isn't necessary; the fibers will remain lifted even as it dries, so you won't have to plane while it's wet.