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Make the Most of Woodworking With the Best Lubricant Oils
Last updated: 20 Jun 2022Tired of dealing with squeaky equipment and jammed machinery? Whatever has put your project to a standstill, you can say goodbye to your days of heading straight to a mechanic. In fact, common disruptors like debris, sawdust, and nameless junk can be easily addressed with a little lubrication oil.
From drilling machines to chop saws, every mechanical tool that rolls and slides need lubrication to function smoothly. If you fail to keep your equipment properly lubricated regularly, you can expect grit and debris to lead to corrosion.
While it may appear a cakewalk, a simple quick spritz isn’t the right way to deal with the situation. To help your quest for finding the right oil for your revered woodworking gear, we’ve curated a list of the premium lubricant oils of 2022.
Show contentsComparing the Highest-Rated Lubricant Oil of 2022Buyer’s Guide: Finding Your Premier Lubricant Oil
As much as you’d expect your machines to function whenever you require them, the reality is a little different. Despite being an overlooked process, machines do need timely cleaning and maintenance to keep performing well.
If you don’t keep your woodworking machines lubricated, debris and grit will be the least of your problems. Let’s explore how a lubricant oil can keep your machines from breaking down.
Why Do You Need Lubricant Oil?
Your tools will work seamlessly if you look after their needs. Here are a few benefits of applying lubricant oil to your machine regularly.
Lubrication
As the name suggests, the primary purpose of lubricant oil is to lubricate or smoothen the moving parts of a machine. Anything that moves, slides, and rotates should have minimum friction against the opposite surface to prevent any grinding.
Applying lubricant is the ideal way to minimize the friction easing the burden on the power source. And not to mention, excessive friction can cause heat which ultimately leads to combustion.
Prevention against corrosion
Woodworking machines have a better chance of accumulating dust and debris. If you leave your machine unclean for too long, the rust will take a toll on vital elements of your machine—leading it to a level beyond repair.
Streamlines the combustion chamber
Streamlines are there in the event fuel gets injected into the combustion chamber of the machine. Forming a layer of carbon on the internal walls of the cylinder, a quality lubricant oil can cut down these emissions and prevent residue build-up in the inner chamber.
Choosing the Right Lubricant Oil for Your Tools: What to Know
Being a cheap and easy way of maintaining your equipment, the market is teeming with lubricant oils of all types and qualities. Considering these two factors before making your first purchase can help you make the best decision:
Ingredients
Not all lubricant oils are created the same. While some are naturally refined, others are curated synthetically with a mixture of both natural and non-natural ingredients. The composition of an oil determines its efficacy in loosening or treating corrosive parts, and as a result, most lubricant oils use a thickener that helps them stick to the area it’s applied to.
Intended use
Depending on their composition, some oils are more effective in moisturizing or loosening the moving parts. Meanwhile, others have a better chance of preventing rust formation on your machine’s crucial parts.
Some lubricants can even remove or dissolve contaminants, enabling smoother and seamless movement.
How to Lubricate Your Woodworking Machines
Dust and debris are an inevitable part of woodworking. Although it’s impossible to prevent any grit from forming up on the spindles and axles of your chop saws, you can clean and lubricate them to function effortlessly.
To make the most out of your woodworking experience, be sure to follow these steps:
- Start by spraying a coat of dry lube on the metal surface to deter friction and rust.
- Apply a coat of lube on the miter and gauges to make sure the blades slide smoothly.
- In case of jammed threads and screws, make sure to use penetrating 3-in-1 oil to keep them fluid and free of rust.
Comparing the Highest-Rated Lubricant Oil of 2022
1Super Lube Lubricant Oil
– Best Overall
Check On AmazonTHE SCOOPSuper Lube is a market leader in manufacturing innovative synthetic lubricants that increase the performance and durability of a machine. Unlike conventional lubricant oils that disperse away after some time, the Super Lube 51004 Lubricant Oil boasts a high viscosity that allows it to stay suspended on the affected area—keeping it smooth and greased for longer periods.
The lubricant oil comes with suspended syncolon, which can reduce friction and protect against rust and corrosion. Apart from the NSF certification, the oil abides by the USDA regulations and is deemed feasible for gears, axles, springs, and shafts.
Consequently, this makes it the best overall lubricant oil this year!
Pros- Does not disperse easily
- Features syncolon PTFE
- Complies with NSF and USDA regulations
Cons- Ineffective in loosening jammed bolts
2Hoppe’s No. 9 Lubricating Oil
– Best for Precision
Check On AmazonTHE SCOOPNo matter how premium and immersive a lubricant is, it cannot function effectively until you apply it to the right spot and that demands precision. Hoppe’s No. 9 Lubricating Oil aims to solve the issue with its high viscosity lubricant oil, and because the featured precision bottle has a thin metal nozzle you can reach inaccessible spaces with ease.
Even though the oil is mainly geared towards firearm bores and barrels, its natural essence makes it a viable solution for woodworking tools as well. Hoppe’s No. 9 Lubricating Oil is crafted from mineral oil, as well as liquefied petroleum gas, heptane, and methyl acetate.
The formula also effectively deals with rust and corrosion.
Pros- Synthetic mineral oil prevents corrosion
- Higher viscosity keeps the surfaces fluid
- Needle-like nozzle ensures precise application
Cons- The nozzle may get jammed
3Wahl Premium Lubricating Oil
– Best for Rust Protection
Check On AmazonTHE SCOOPThe Wahl Premium lubricating oil presents an affordable and convenient way to revitalize the life of your instruments. Since the Wahl lubricating oil is specifically designed for sharp blades, the lube can put an end to squeaky friction sounds that are derived from friction.
Besides eliminating friction between the moving parts, the lubricant forms an oily layer on the surface that leaves no chance of rust formation. Even though the formula does not harm the circuitry, you must apply the oil in small amounts so that it remains intact. Don’t worry, the oil won’t harm the integrity of the blade or disc.
Pros- Removes friction between the machine parts
- Prevents blades and discs from going dull
- The formula prevents oxidation and rust
Cons- The oil may splatter
43-IN-ONE Multipurpose Lubricating Oil
– Most Versatile
Check On AmazonTHE SCOOPIf you are looking for something that smoothes your woodworking tools, removes the creaking sounds from the doors, and gets your hair clippers working again then the 3-IN-ONE lubricating drip oil is the one-stop-shop solution for your needs. The 3-IN-ONe brand has been named quality and trust since 1894, and with its ingeniously designed bottle, you can precisely apply the oil where required in controlled amounts.
Allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas without causing any overspray or splatter, the do-it-all oil cleans, lubricates, and protects against corrosion. With a single bottle, you don’t have to worry about using different products for the job.
Pros- It is versatile
- Disperses into tight spaces
- Helps clean, lubricate and prevent rust
Cons- Does not accommodate door hinges
5UniKitchen Premium Lubricant Oil
– Most Premium
Check On AmazonTHE SCOOPThe UniKitchen Premium Lubricant Oil uses a food-grade universal formula and is devoid of any toxic chemicals, making it safe for use on all equipment. Only a few drops of the white oil can make your jammed machine fluid again, allowing you to get back to operating your axle, shaft, or blade. Thanks to the viscous lubrication, the strain on your machine will also reduce significantly and improve its lifespan by multifold.
In case any gears or disc has developed rust, the premium protection formula will not reduce the corrosion. Instead, it makes the parts super smooth and fluid again.
Pros- Improves performance and lifespan
- Offers protection against rust
- Devoid of toxic chemicals
Cons- The oil may feel sticky
People Also Asked
Q: Do lubricants attract dust?A: While most lubricants leave behind a sticky oily surface that attracts dust and debris, lubricants that carry PTFE particles do not catch dust.
Q: Can lubricant damage my machinery?A: While lubricants are intended to keep every part of your machinery working smoothly, most low-quality lubricants carry contaminants that may harm the part of a machine it is applied to. To ensure you’re purchasing a quality product, you can always refer to the product description and check the ingredient list.
Q: How often should I lubricate my woodworking machines?A: Make sure to clean and lubricate all the moving, sliding, and rotating parts of your woodworking machines every three to four months. Not doing this can lead to unwanted buildup and other operational issues.
