Tool Rest Lubrication

[Mark Goulais]

Hello,
I've read here that a regular candle is drawn along the rest to assist the tools in sliding more easily. I've also watched a video where another Turner was using Paraffin wax to accomplish the same. I have a goodly amount of Johnson's Paste Wax that I use to wax the lathe bed. Could this also be used on the tool rest, or is another substance going to work better? (The tool rests I have are new and made of stainless steel.) Please advise. Thank you!

 

[robo hippy]

Paste wax is usually carnauba wax and some turpentine, same as Kiwi neutral shoe polish. It will work fine. I do keep a couple of the "Slick Sticks" from Woodturner's Wonders around my shop for lubing bandsaw blades, plane irons, and tool rests, even the hardened drill rod ones. I don't use it on my CBN wheels though.

robo hippy

 

[hockenbery]

Wax should work great but there is intrinsic value un using candle stubs

 

[Bill Alston]

I use Microcrystalline wax for a variety of purposes in my shop, aside from wood finishing!

 

[Alan Weinberg]

I’ve filed my toolrest from time to time. Never thought of lubricating. Will give it a try.

 

[Mark Goulais]

Paste wax is usually carnauba wax and some turpentine, same as Kiwi neutral shoe polish. It will work fine. I do keep a couple of the "Slick Sticks" from Woodturner's Wonders around my shop for lubing bandsaw blades, plane irons, and tool rests, even the hardened drill rod ones. I don't use it on my CBN wheels though.

robo hippy

The slick stick makes a huge mess on the CBN wheels if you use too much of it. Which I have done and find myself cleaning it off right after. After my next cleaning I’m going to just try a little bit and see if that works better for the CBN wheel.

 

[robo hippy]

I did really gunk up my CBN wheels with the Slick Stick once. I do like to put a drop of the Trend lapping fluid in the bevel of my tools some times when sharpening. If I apply it directly to the wheel, I will get a racing stripe if I stand in front of the wheel....

robo hippy

 

[John K Jordan]

I did really gunk up my CBN wheels with the Slick Stick once. I do like to put a drop of the Trend lapping fluid in the bevel of my tools some times when sharpening. If I apply it directly to the wheel, I will get a racing stripe if I stand in front of the wheel....

robo hippy

I dribble a bit of the Trend fluid on the wheel when it's not spinning, then spread it around the wheel with my finger while rotating it by hand. I eventually learned how much to use so it wouldn't throw liquid at me. If I accidentally dribble too much a little corner of paper towel is handy. After sharpening, I often wipe off what's left of the fluid and the steel particles left behind, again wiping with a bit of paper towel.

 

[John K Jordan]

Hello,
I've read here that a regular candle is drawn along the rest to assist the tools in sliding more easily. I've also watched a video where another Turner was using Paraffin wax to accomplish the same. I have a goodly amount of Johnson's Paste Wax that I use to wax the lathe bed. Could this also be used on the tool rest, or is another substance going to work better? (The tool rests I have are new and made of stainless steel.) Please advise. Thank you!

Solid wax like paraffin or beeswax can get sticky, depending on the temperature. The Renaissance wax or the Johnson's paste wax is not and should work well (apply, dry, wipe with cloth)

All the toolrests I use now are Robust with hardened steel rods on the top and have never felt the need to lubricate them - all tools slide easily.

For softer steel and especially cast iron, a sharp edge on a skew or other rectangular shaft can dig in and make an indent the tool can catch on. In this case, dressing with a fine file or fine sandpaper backed with a piece of wood can help.

For cast iron that gets beat up, I would also file. Another thing I've done for cast rests with dents or porosity is fill with JB Weld epoxy and file and sand smooth. A soft wax might be useful afterwards.

However, if the corners of rectangular HSS tools feel sharp it's best to round them over a bit with an extra fine diamond hone.

JKJ

 

[Dean Center]

If your tool rest is topped with stainless steel, you probably don't need a lubricant. The wax strategy is for iron tool rests. And please don't be like Alan and file your tool rest--his is iron and needs the occasional filing, but stainless steel does not.

This is also a good opportunity to strongly recommend taking advantage of your local woodturning club's mentoring program. (which would probably be Oshkosh, unless you like the Neenah or New Berlin groups better)