I once saw a woodcarver on HGTVs Modern Masters use kerosene brushed onto wood as a lubricant to help cut mahogony. Has anyone ever used this method?
I'm working on a 4' oak stump and it's HARD, been sitting in the hot Texas sun for two years. Would this also keep the bugs away. Any info would be helpful.

Rick

[Captain_Bandaid]

You can buy wax made for blade lubrication at Lowes or Home Depot. Yes, it works! As the blade heats up, the wax melts and lubricates the blade.

You might want to put some kerosene on a like piece of wood to see if you like the color. Kerosene has some oil in it, and would tend to darken your work.

ken in So Cal

Here's what I know works ... WD40 ... in a couple of days will evaporate without a trace, doesn't even show on light woods like basswood and cottonwood. Being as how your in Texas, I suspect what you have is a live oak stump, which is really one of the hardest of the oaks.

I have heard of some carvers using 'Artic Banana oil' on their blades to reduce friction. Â*In Twin Falls, Idaho; I think in 1996, Marv Kaisersatt (of the CCA) was using a knife with a manual oiler built into the handle.
Myself, I don't see the value, the knife seemed to use a lot of oil; he was constantly adjusting the flow to the blade. Â*He even ran out and had to send out for more.

Sounds like a car I used to have!

Al

Hey Rick
What part of Texas
What are planning on making out of the stump
I live just south of Houston

Thanks for all the info. Think I'll try some kerosene and see how it works. Maybe it will at least keep the fire ants away. For those interested it's a going to be a bear, I've allready roughed it out with a chainsaw. I live in Texarkana, TX and the sun has hardened it up real good. What kind of finish should I put on it? It will be staying outside as it's still connected to the roots, should that cause any problems? This is just an experiment cause I've also got a 6' stump my wife wants carved into a 'Easter Island' style head. Thanks for all the info.
Rick

[UNCLE_RICK]

I finally got around to registering, hope there's room for one more rookie. As far as my wood lube post any hints on carving hickory would also be helpful. Don't know how I get talked into carving the hardest stuff out there.
Thanks,
Rick