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View Full Version : Plane lubrication?



Mike Shoemaker
01-10-2007, 9:46 AM
Should you lubricate the adujustment screw on a plane at all. If so with what? I'm starting to pick up a few hand tools.

Tyler Howell
01-10-2007, 11:34 AM
A little rubbing of parafin wax on the soul and moving parts works great.

Michael Fross
01-10-2007, 11:37 AM
I use a little drop of oil on all the screws (adjustment knob, frog screws, etc). Helps to clean them, resist rust, and keep them in good working order.

I use either paste wax or a spray wax like T9 on the soles, sides, and other machined areas.

Michael

Mike Shoemaker
01-10-2007, 12:55 PM
Great, thanks guys.

Zahid Naqvi
01-10-2007, 4:34 PM
A little rubbing of parafin wax on the soul and moving parts works great.

I say leave the SOUL of a plane alone :eek: it's fine the way it is.

As for the adjustment screw/knob, I don't lube 'em because oil will gather grime and will eventually leak out to the knurled knob and make it slippery. No fear of rust on brass anyway. The frog adjustment screws could use a drop (or less) of oil. As for the sole you can use a thin coat of paste wax, but it will always leave some traces on the work piece. With a sharp balde and properly tuned plane you shouldn't need any effort to push the plane. Or do what I do, use wooden planes and the sole will get more slick with each use.