I've recently started applying a thin coat of wax to my work surfaces like my table saw and jointer, and I must say, I'm loving it! It makes everything slide smoothly, and I feel a lot safer while working. I noticed that Shoyan from the YouTube channel *Shoyan Japanese Carpenter* sprays his work surfaces before milling, and I'm curious if that's a better option. Can anyone recommend a good spray lubricant for woodworking surfaces?
3 Answers
I use automotive spray wax for my machine surfaces. It doesn’t last as long as paste wax but topping it off every couple of weeks is easy—just a quick buffing does the trick. Works great for me!
Just a heads-up: whatever product you end up using, avoid anything with silicone. It can mess with your project's finish if the wood gets contaminated, which is a total pain!
Using paste wax has been the traditional go-to for many woodworkers, especially for cast iron surfaces like table saws and band saws. However, nowadays, dry lubricant sprays are becoming popular because they're quicker, easier, and don’t interfere with the wood's finish like wax can. I recommend Boeshield T9; it protects against rust and makes the surface really slick. Just spray a bit and spread it with a cloth, then buff it off after it's dry. Also, for tools that won’t be used often, spraying them with a thin layer can help prevent rust!
Thanks for the tip! Automotive wax sounds like a simple solution.