Hey everyone! I just got my hands on a combination plane and I'm looking to lubricate it for smoother operation and to prevent any rusting. I have this mix of mineral oil and beeswax that I'm wondering if it's suitable. Any suggestions or other methods you recommend?
4 Answers
I like to create my own paste wax concoctions! I usually add a bit of mineral oil to help with slickness on metal parts. Just a heads up though—stay away from mineral oil on wood, especially for fence runners. For wood, I mix beeswax, carnauba, and turpentine.
Your mix of mineral oil and beeswax should work just fine! It sounds similar to what I use, and I've never had any problems with it.
Paste wax is fantastic for lubricating cast iron surfaces. If you happen to have any nickel parts, I'd recommend trying out a polishing product like Mother’s mag and aluminum polish. It's only about $5 and lasts forever!
I've been using Conservators wax for about 50 years now. It forms a solid barrier against moisture and gives a really slick surface. Even with daily use, it holds up for several months before needing a reapplication. It's pretty popular in museums for protecting all kinds of materials, and a small jar goes a long way—definitely worth checking out! You can find it under the name Renaissance Wax at places like Lee Valley.