Maintaining smooth running of new plane?

[Jarviser]

Sean, Paul, Out of interest, COSHH data sheet for WD40 is here
as you say, it is designed to prevent corrosion. I always thought it contained silicones to disperse moisture, but it is basically treated heavy mineral oil, thinned with light paraffin (Naphtha). The naphtha will take the heavy oil down into rusted threads and deposit the heavy oil. I guess on a surface it evaporates to leave the heavy stuff as protection.
I used to use it for diamond stones (Alf got me onto lamp oil which is basically WD40 without the heavy oil). I guess the downside to using it on oilstones is that the heavy oil may build up and clog the pores eventually. I have found it does stain hardwood badly if used on woodwork tools.

 

[Paul Chapman]

Thanks Sean and Jarviser, that's interesting and helpful.

If my memory serves me right, I think the origin of the name WD40 is that the people who were developing it were producing a water dispersant. The final product was the 40th version, hence the name WD40 (a bit like Chanel No. 5 and VAT 69, although the former smells better and the latter certainly tastes better

I've never looked upon it as a "proper" penetrating oil. For that I tend to use Plus Gas, which certainly seems to contain lots of paraffin, and penetrates far more than WD40.

I am no expert in lubricants and can only speak as I find. I've used it for years and have never had any problems with it. For the things I use it for I have found it the best product by far. Lots of other people have found it to be as good as I have. And others wouldn't give it a second look.

I suppose it's like so many other things in woodworking - whatever works for you.........

Nevertheless, an interesting debate :wink:

Paul

 

[Bean]

Paul you are right, if you want to penetrate a rusty thread then its plus gas all the way, far far superior to WD40. If you want to clean something then WD40 is good, but the so is 3 in 1 and its cheaper. Look around you local bike shop for GT85 sold as a bike lube better that WD40 and again cheaper for cleaning.

The biggest danger to rusting your planes are your fingers, you will soon know if you have got rusty fingers, as your finger prints will appear on the iron. General cleanliness will keep it looking good, a wipe down with a oily rag when you put it away for a long time will work wonders, just clean it off before you use it.

All of my planes live on my bench without the benifit of oil and have done for a good few years without any corrosion.

Bean

 

[Alf]

If my memory serves me right, I think the origin of the name WD40 is that the people who were developing it were producing a water dispersant. The final product was the 40th version, hence the name WD40

My memory's been suggesting the same thing. Got to admire them for not giving up after, say, #27.

Now if all you plane-in-the-open-not-a-spot-of-rust-what's-the-fuss blighters would just stop rubbing it in, I'd be obliged. Philly must be green with envy, suffering as he does with The Rusty Fingers of Death. 8-[

Cheers, Alf

 

[Philly]

Yeah, you notice I am keeping very quiet around here :?
Philly :wink:

 

[Bean]

You got rusty fingers then Philly ???

Bean