Machine Oil to Use with Tormek Leather Honing Compound

[TonyL]

Hi Folks:

I have two questions:

1. What is machine oil?
2. W

hich one do I use to prep a leather strop for Tormek Leather Honing Compound?

The Tormek instructions state to prep the leather strop with machine oil.

Thank you for reading.

 

[monophoto]

'Machine oil' is a light lubricant typically used on sewing machines and other light-duty machines. The brand that I'm most familiar with is 'Three-in-One'; other relatively well-know brands 'Liquid Wrench' and 'Marvel Mystery Oil'. The critical characteristic of these oils is that they are free flowing and not very viscous.

Contrary to popular opinion, WD-40 is not a light machine oil.

 

[TonyL]

Thank you... That's why I asked. I would have used WD 40. I haven't bough 3 in 1 in decades. I would get some soon. Thanks again!

 

[Cloven]

I probably wouldn't use WD40 if I were you, I'd use an actual oil. Sewing machine or 3 in one, as mentioned, would be good. A mineral oil would be best. The lighter the viscosity, the better. It's to condition the leather and just generally keep it from drying out.

 

[TonyL]

I will get 3 in 1 or mineral oil. Thank you both.

 

[low_48]

I wouldn't use 3 in 1, I hate the smell. I use Sid Harvey's Extendo All Purpose Motor and Bearing Oil in my shop. Never used it on a Tormek wheel though. I get it at the local True Value.
http://www.amazon.com/Panef-Corp-F2...21728136&sr=8-1&keywords=sid+harvey's+extendo

 

[jttheclockman]

Many people with that tool use mineral oil. I use Neatsfoot oil. Used for many many years on my baseball gloves.

 

[robertkulp]

I just use mineral oil.

 

[KenV]

Tony -- Looks like you are ending your sharpening journey with a Tormek -- That will do a good job making steel sharp!!!!

Glen Lucas is a strong advocate of tormek for sharp.

I will probably end up there as my joints get worse --- but maybe not until next year.

 

[TonyL]

Hi Kevin:

I could have bought anything, but heard many good things about a 1 x 42 belt grinder (Kalamazoo). It was recommended to me by a fellow turner. It was also 1/4 the price. If I didn't like it, it's a small investment. I bought a bunch of belts (80 to 1400 grit) and the One Way jigs and I have been delighted with the results. However, I am only sharpening two concave oval skews and a spindle master. I finish my sharpening with a leather stop that needs to be "treated" with a light machine oil before applying the tormek honing cream to the strop.