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What do you lube the bottom of your plane with?

2K views 17 replies 15 participants last post by  woodchuckerNJ 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Just curious what others are using.

I currently am back to candle wax..
but I have used:
  • mineral spirits
  • mineral oil
 
#4 ·
I just use minwax paste-wax, works great for me, it seems to keep it lubricated for a decent amount of time. Works great on my wooden planes too, and I figure I'll eventually build up a patina like on the old planes with it. I'd like to try mutton fat at some point though haha!
 
#7 ·
I use topkote as I have a couple cases of it and it works great on other cast iron surfaces, probably switch to something cheaper when I run through my stash.
 
#9 ·
I mainly use mutton tallow. A small tin lasts for ever and I can go long stretches without reapplying. Lee Valley has it. I usually buy a few tins every other year. You can get it on ebay as well.
 
#13 ·
I just use good ol' JPW. It's always in the shop and works just fine.

I've thought about doing Paul Sellers' rag in a can lubed with 3-in-1 oil. Haven't really needed to, yet, so sticking with paste wax for now. I know a couple of guys use Renaissance wax and really like it, too.
 
#18 ·
So basically I see a few choices.

Low tech:
Wax parafin type
Bees Wax
Mutton Tallow

3 in 1 oil
mineral oil similar to 3 in 1.
Mineral spirits… short lived

High Tech:
Topkote

I guess there's not much more in options. I'll have to give the Tallow a try, as I've never tried it.
 
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