Doctor's Walnut Oil

[Don Frank]

John, What type or brand of wax do you like to combine with the walnut oil? Do you heat them up to combine the two into a slurry type paste?

[Peter Blair]

Thanks Mike, cured would that be when I can no longer smell it?

If the turning is a utility piece, buffing is not worth the time. I usually buff (Beall system) if the piece is an artistic item and I really like the sheen produced and the surface is velvety smooth. If the oil is cured there is no effect on the wheels.

[John Keeton]

John, What type or brand of wax do you like to combine with the walnut oil? Do you heat them up to combine the two into a slurry type paste?

Don, a couple years ago I melted some carnuba and some Mahoney’s walnut oil I had left over. The mix is too heavy on the wax and is too hard, but I nuked some to soften it and soaked a cotton rag. It holds enough to give a very light wax sheen with a bit of heat from the spin of the lathe. I am sure a commercial mix would be be easier to use.

[Mike Nathal]

Thanks Mike, cured would that be when I can no longer smell it?

I test curing by putting the piece on a piece of paper. After an hour or so I check to see if it left a ring of oil on the paper. If not, it is cured

[Peter Blair]

Thanks Mike!

I test curing by putting the piece on a piece of paper. After an hour or so I check to see if it left a ring of oil on the paper. If not, it is cured