Do they really boil linseed oil? (And other oily answers)

[@StumpyNubs]

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[@CP17787]

Holy crap, thank you for this! I've been getting into the weeds of finishes and I was starting to get the old familiar feeling that someone was trying to oversell me on some BS. Now I know better and I'm off to watch your video about varnish!

[@anonymousgeorge4321]

Good one. Thanks

[@billkamp3284]

Always there when i need you. Great video.

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

James, For something that'll see high wear-patio furniture, deck tiles-can we first condition the wood with mineral oil, let it dry, wipe excess, then give it some coats of pre-cat lacquer? Looking for a durable finish that'll last at least 5 years.

[@kreamysoaps]

Flax, walnut, or hemp are pretty decent drying oils

[@timeisshorttruly8409]

This WAS slick

[@georgeholt8929]

James, had you researched how the carriages for cannons as found on ships prior to the invention of the modern naval ship cannon 1890-Present. The wood carriages were soaked in raw linseed oil that were heated in large metal tanks for the term of 30 calendar days straight. This process kept the wood free from bugs that could attack the wood and kept the wood stable from sea water. Of course the wood parts were drip dried then given several coats of an paint. Then the carriages were assembled.

[@rogerhaney9043]

If I put Tung oil on my workbench, can I do glue ups on the bench without gluing it to the bench?

[@akesq01]

“...not from its tongue but from its nuts.” Delivered with a straight face. Amazing control! Kudos!

[@AncientApparatus]

I haven't watched too many wood workers channels but after watching yours I wouldn't even bother. Thank you for giving very complete information & for your very extensive library.

[@georgevantuyl5837]

BLO. Boiled Linseed Oil. I toured a windmill in the Netherlands that makes linseed oil. It was next to a wind powered saw mill and a wind powered pigment mill. The Netherlands version of a one stop shop.

[@quietudinal4857]

Helpful overview of the key points. Thanks

[@yevrahhipstar3902]

"...not the tree's tongue..." gets you the thumbs-up!

[@dwighthapeman6590]

Awesome video in typical James Hamilton style. I am such a fan! THIS GUY SHOULD HAVE HIS OWN TV SHOW.

[@442jetmech]

excellent mix of solid information and great humor. I've learned so much from this channel!

[@tsuchang1]

Your videos are really informative and fun. Thanks James.

[@ELCADAROSA]

At some point, Formby’s got picked up by Minwax. I wonder if the quality of the Formby’s products has changed.

[@revariox189]

What about hemp seed oil?

[@rockdog2584]

Back in my high school days (about a half a million years ago), I spent a lot of time in wood shop. My favorite toy was the lathe and I used to carve up a lot of Myrtlewood. Al;so made a number of Myrtlewood cutting boards. That was where I got clued in to using Walnut oil on cutting boards and salad bowls. It provides a great finish that is food-safe and it never goes rancid.

[@crackerjack3359]

Whats you opinion on walnut oil. Thanks

[@podir47]

Maybe it was worth mentioning that mineral oil is a petroleum based product, especially given that the edibility issue came up multiple times, and the topic was 'natural oils'.

[@podir47]

​@@JorgTheElder you're right. an extracted or distilled product does not mean a synthesized one. i do wonder if by definition, a product that is not synthesized is automatically considered natural. in any case, i thought that given the abundant talk regarding edibility, constipation etc, it might have been possible to mention what mineral oil is, especially since he did explain what the other oils were.

[@halsonger1317]

You've been saving some of those lines up for a long time I'd bet.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Thanks James, good lesson taught well! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@danstark3341]

I really like these explanation videos that you do. I'm new at turning and watch a lot of KZbin videos for learning new skills or ideas. I wonder if you might do a video talking about all the finishing products. For example sanding sealer, Yorkshire grit or Ack's paste, Hampshire sheen (or Ack's restor?), Shellawax, shine juice, Feed'N'Wax, etc. How they work or don't work in combination or on different surfaces(resin or wood), in turning situations.

[@abcxyz9643]

really helpful video. I wish you would have touched on polymerized linseed oil as well as some beeswax type products.

[@earthborn8385]

what if you've applied BLO then a layer of wax to some wood, can you refinish it with Tung?

[@paulmatthews5980]

Stumpy, never come across your stuff before but I'm a bit slow. Loved it. Learning should be fun, I got both. Thanks

[@robertv8851]

Thanks stumpy that was really helpful.

[@noi5emaker]

Many luthiers finish guitars with snake oil.

[@thomastieffenbacherdocsava1549]

My stool has and oily finish? Thanks!

[@Dog.soldier1950]

Back in the day used boiled linseed for our USMC m-14 stocks

[@ataarjomand]

Thanks for the valuable information in a short time.

[@williamellis8993]

Great info, great humor.

[@jmtx.]

Pure tung oil is my go-to coating for all my work handles and such. Great durability but does take many coats and time to properly cure. A bit of UV from the sun also helps for the final layer.

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Thanks for the great video James. I always learn something and get a chuckle from your channel.

[@WindRidgeWoodCrafts]

Awesome delivery on several lines, James. Thanks for a little education and even more entertainment.

[@BeauOwens]

That was amazing; very informative. Well done!

[@davidhawley1132]

“It doesn’t come from the tree’s tongue but from its nuts” hahaha.

[@jlw35cudvm]

David Hawley So I’m not the only one to laugh at that line. Bunch of sickos are we!.

[@ludwigbarnes3058]

Glad someone else posted this. lol Yes, nuts. 2:13

[@mikecurtin9831]

@J Dial me too.

[@PGSchroe]

That was effin hilarious!

[@CaretTheGnome]

Paused immediately after that line to see if someone commented about this. First comment I see. KZbin you don't disappoint 😂

[@davidsavell5398]

Where can I get this Snake Oil?

[@abelincoln95]

The "one-liners" were strong in this video!!! Nice job!!!

[@claires9100]

Can you use boiled linseed oil as an oil painting medium?

[@jeffcarr392]

That was the funniest video on woodwork I've seen in a while.

[@MrSlushy87]

I made a little desk organizer with three drawers out of birch. Since it doesn''t need that much protection I just gave it a coat with mineral oil but that sh*t doesn't want to cure, still sticky after 3 weeks and when I lay a letter or smthg on top, it ends up blotchy. Could I top coat (seal) it with furniture wax? Thankful for any advice!

[@JeffSolenberg]

If I continue drinking coffee when watching your videos I'm going to need a new computer screen.

[@dustythejones]

The mineral oil discussion had me laughing pretty hard. “And I eat a lot of cheese.”

[@NavinBetamax]

.......while shopping for the computer monitor......toss in a couple of keyboards too.......Lol !

[@rolandohernandez2665]

I like this channel so much.

[@avamaria8447]

I need just a tiny bit of blo...can I boil the one I have for eating?

[@kdouglaslee]

Today I learned that I can eat as much cheese as I want, as long as I use mineral oil as a finish.

[@TonatiuhMellado]

🤣

[@dlwatib]

I can't. Too much cheese gives me the runs. No mineral oil needed.

[@davidhawley1132]

The calcium is good for producing kidney stones. Drink lots of water too

[@georgevantuyl5837]

That's a Gouda joke.

[@lint2023]

Thanks for good info.

[@tedhaubrich]

I figured out all the stuff you said about varnish and oil finishes in your video's a few years ago but BOY did I have to trudge through a lot of nonsense to get there. Your two consice and to the point videos could have saved me hours of reading and research.

[@TonatiuhMellado]

Thanks again James, a very interesting topic, a loot of funny lines and a very informative video like always. I like the "no intro, right to business" type of video 😄

[@davebashford3753]

Or walnut oil for bowls, utensils and cutting boards. Unlike mineral oil, it is food and it dries.

[@nightcatarts]

Allergies may be a problem though..

[@cliveclapham6451]

@@nightcatarts not if your a squirrel 🤭🤭🤭

[@davebashford3753]

@@nightcatarts I was going to say that walnuts aren't on the list of common allergies, but tree nuts are #3 above peanuts! Oops.

[@nightcatarts]

@@davebashford3753 Yep. It's actually something I hadn't considered until one day I realised I'd been snacking on peanuts as I worked & was contaminating everything I'd made. Since then I keep all nuts well away from anything intended for public sale, just in case.

[@dallastrygstad3120]

Night Cat not a bad idea. We knew a kid in my sons class that would have an allergic reaction if they were in the same room as peanuts. It can be far worse than i realized.

[@callhoonrepublican]

Hey, I'd like to know about true oil. Is it really an oil?

[@harrydavis6903]

Well done, thanks.

[@kittylaroux2397]

OMG I loved this guy video it's informative and funny, I just subscribed. Thanks for a great video, Cathy

[@EggyOrphan]

maybe dumb question but would danish oil be ok for children wood toys?? If not what would you recommend for that??? Ive seen so many idk which to actually use, thanks in advance!

[@phildodd9942]

A really valuable briefing on the various oils. I must admit that I normally use Linseed oil by default - polyurethane seems to dry with a "milky" sheen - maybe I put it on too thickly ? I'm going to check out your "varnish" video now ! Many thanks !

[@philswindler3361]

I like the new videos. But, I miss the humor of the older ones.

[@DrThunder88]

Bob Flexner did a great job explaining the differences in oil finishes in his book, *Understanding Wood Finishing*. If you want to know what your "oil finish" is, smear some on a nonporous surface and let it cure for a week. Wiping varnishes like Formby's Tung Oil Finish will be hard and clear. Oil/varnish blends like Watco Teak Oil Finish will be slightly rubbery and wrinkly. Pure oils will be soft and boogery if they cure at all. For that reason, I have trouble calling applications of pure oils "coats" when they don't actually coat anything and just absorb into the wood. If they do leave anything on the surface, just about everybody would immediately think to remove it. You can polish the wood, but you'll never polish the oil! Unless it's a polymerized oil like Tru-Oil or Tried & True, which behave more like varnishes...

[@dougrobins8291]

That's a great reference book, and was welcomed to my library years ago.

[@nobackhands]

is linseed oil flammable after it dry

[@paullasmith4975]

Informative. You said what needed saying. Refreshing. I learned something. Thank you. Thumbs up and a new sub!

[@greekveteran2715]

Please, what's better for a new axe handle, treat iit with raw Linseed oil or Tung oil? I would really appriciate any opinion.

[@bhoola123]

Thank you so so much for sharing this information. It simplified many things for me. Regards my friend.

[@jbb5470]

Another helpful video Stumpy! I found one to be very informative, marketing I guess

[@barnshopproductions7132]

Well, now there's no need for me to continue reading the book on how to boil linseed oil. Darn, it was just getting interesting too! Thanks again James, another good tutorial.

[@PGSchroe]

This had to be one of your most entertaining yet! Definitely had a grin on my face by the end. Damn good info too!

[@jerrybobteasdale]

Mineral oil can be bought in gallon jugs at farm supply stores. It's used as a lube for certain veterinary purposes.

[@ElTurbinado]

"Certain veterinary purposes"

[@willie90210]

Quick question for you, Can I apply a coat of Polyurethane over boiled linseed oil? Thx.

[@StumpyNubs]

Oil based poly can go over linseed oil

[@craigperry7376]

Tongue oil doesn’t come from a trees tongue, but it’s nuts 🥜 😂😂😂 Subtle humour mate that had me laughing 😂 🍻🇦🇺🐨

[@crazytomato4845]

So what is teak oil?

[@StumpyNubs]

I said in the video.

[@Yawles]

THAT'S the James Hamilton I enjoy!

[@momostayzanko2078]

Many many thanks

[@marshallfischer3667]

I'm installing a new Maple butcher block countertop I think because I have the luxury of time I will use the layers of tung oil....

[@hootis952]

SAFETY: Not a word about the risk of spontaneous combustion of boiled linseed oil-soaked cotton rags. Most people already know this but, nevertheless, it deserves mentioning.

[@parttimeprophet]

❤ the nubs

[@steelonius]

I read about a finish mix using BLO, Mineral Spirits, and Wax (I believe Paraffin). I used it on our fence here and it turned out well. The wax has to be melted, of course, and the mixture is best produced on a hot day so that the wax doesn't solidify in the mix. I can no longer find the resource but would love to hear others thoughts about its use and longevity. So far the fence has only dealt with one fall and one winter but looks as good as the day I applied it.

[@mpart_woodlathe-stuff]

Good, no, I take that back. It's a great video James !!. Informative and entertaining as usual. I was going to add one about How many babies do they use in Baby Oil, but I couldn't figure out how to fit it in so never mind.

[@mpart_woodlathe-stuff]

@J Dial Funny that - I raised twins too (boy and girl).

[@TonatiuhMellado]

@J Dial jajajajajaja!🤣

[@SpaceManAus]

I use organ oil with bees wax and citrus turpentine to thin it out to desired thickness and if you treat the timber before assembly it will stop it from splitting.

[@llessibm]

I'm finding your latest vlogs about wood finishes interesting and quite pertinent as I'm about to take possession of a Narrowboat (I'm in England) where the interior is finished in an unadulterated ash veneered plywood - I'm not about to ask you for recommendations etc. as I think I know what I want but just wanted to say thanks for producing this very interesting 'mini series' covering wood finishes

[@patrickholcomb9628]

TUNG oil. not "Tongue oil".

[@StumpyNubs]

Who said otherwise?

[@sixties00]

I've already applied two coats of danish oil. Can I continue with BLO for the next coats??

[@StumpyNubs]

No. The Danish oil is a film finish that seals the wood. It will prevent the BLO from soaking in.

[@sixties00]

@@StumpyNubs Just in time before doing it :) Thanks for the answer. Great content as always!!!

[@rick91443]

Also, thanks. Learned alot...rr

[@tomthompson7400]

when you say polyurethane , is that just a tin of varnish , or some simple ingredient ,

[@StumpyNubs]

Polyurethane is polyurethane. It'll say polyurethane on the can.

[@tomthompson7400]

ah , ok , polyurethane what , im asking as ive never seen a tin with just that written on it , and a few videos have mentioned it.

[@StumpyNubs]

@@tomthompson7400 It's very common in the USA. It's likely the most common finish for the average do-it-yourselfer.

[@tomthompson7400]

its probably called varnish here in northern ireland , ill keep googling though . many thanks.

[@Guitcad1]

I thought it was "tung" oil.

[@SmallWorkshopGuy]

So, it appears somebody was in a rather sarcastic and "dry sense of humor" mood when recording this video. You gave me several good laughs! Nice job - I even learned a thing or two.

[@beerhunter272]

Hey there. Good video. What would you suggest for axe handles? I hear that BLO may be hazardous to your health due to the chemicals. Axe handles (Hickory especially) dries out over time and the heads become loose. So the goal is to prevent shrinking, yet provide protection from the elements without exposing ourselves to harmful toxins. Thanks.

[@GB-zk8tq]

"Be sure to check out our video about wood varnishes, which I will link to below." I am looking for link. how far below should I look?

[@StumpyNubs]

It's on the screen at the end of the video

[@leelu2274]

If you want to "make your own" danish oil, does the poly have to be oil based since it is going on top of the linseed or tongue oil?

[@StumpyNubs]

Yes

[@leelu2274]

@@StumpyNubs thank you!

[@grandn8646]

Hi James, I went by your new shop today. Was going to stop in for a minute and say hi, but I wasn't sure if you were there and I didn't want to disturb anyone working there.

[@StumpyNubs]

We prefer to not be surprised by drop-ins, but we may hold an open house sometime soon. :)

[@-ZIO]

This was a valuable video. I like the mineral oil buying tip :)

[@thomasgreen8532]

Well done, maybe they have changed the formula for Goof off but I alway thought that when it first came out it smelled like toluene. the newer stuff I am not so sure. I have never used Naphtha much it sounds like it could be useful thanks

[@imhigh0013]

Mineral oil.... TMI. PS love that black truffle pecorino.

[@markkulepisto1159]

My sweetie asked why do I keep laughing ? What comedy show am I watching? Me: I’m learning about wood finishing oils Her: …

[@horacegentleman3296]

I like coal tar oil, raw linseed oil, and a good solvent, usually turpentine or kerosine. Mixed in even parts. For finishing gun stocks I add some beeswax. I warm the wood and the finish with a heat gun. Use beeswax melted into raw linseed for a top coat.

[@brianb9410]

Funny and informative.

[@shanksjeffcott8598]

you rock i love learning an having a giggle

[@thomasgronek6469]

Thanks for the video. What about unboiled tongue oil ? any advantages ? I have heard that it polymerizes, and will result in the feared spontaneous combustion of a rag pile, but how does the polymerization affect the durability of the wood ? should it be applied in frequent layers, or hardish, or even fully polymerized before another coat ?

[@brucematthews6417]

Ya managed to sneak in a lot of laughs in this one.... Another good reason for using mineral oil over other oils (tung) for cutting boards and wooden food prep implements is that nut based oils can likely cause allergic reactions in folks with bad nut allergies. I used tung oil on some small candy bowls years ago. But now I use a mix of beeswax and mineral oil mixed so when at room temperature it's roughly the consistency of paste style furniture wax. It gives a finish that looks and feels nice without being oily and it doesn't wash away as rapidly as straight mineral oil. And of course it doesn't go rancid over time like nut or vegetable oils can do.

[@allanh4803]

I seem to remember from my childhood that we used to "treat" our new cricket bats with Linseed oil. I think we believed that it would extend the life of the bat, prevent cracking and reduce bruising the face of the bat...Just a thought from "way back when"

[@michaeligtuqnbiga]

I believe the traditional Chinese wooden junk sail boats still use Tung oil mixed with grasses and some other natural materials as a caulking to waterproof the seems of their boats