How to make a Rag-in-a-can Oiler | Paul Sellers

Paul demonstrates how to make a Rag-in-a-can Oiler. A useful accessory for smoothing cuts with saws and planes.
For more information on these topics, see paulsellers.com or woodworkingmas...

[@brianking5092]

I just spent 9 minutes watching a guy put a rag into a can. There is only one guy that could do that and keep my interest: Paul Sellers.

[@franklinsevy]

I am going to make Rag in a can this weekend. I am 70 years old and setting up shop in garage to make some picture frames. Been watching about one year. Made my first hand cut dove tail box. Thank God for wood filler. Franklin in Chattanooga TN.

[@eubiov8]

Franklin Sevy, I'm 30 and was wondering if I'm too old for woodworking. I'm setting a shop for small furniture projects

[@franklinsevy]

Heck no just the right age. I am trying to learn some older ways of doing things. I bought a used table saw, I just finished an all wood wood lathe from watching youtube. Would like to turn some bowls. Been making some hand carved spoons. Its Fun Franklin

[@eubiov8]

Franklin Sevy that's the point. I'm about to receive a massive input of money from government, I'll put my shop together and hopefully become a woodworker

[@michaelbaker4394]

Ni

[@738polarbear]

Bravo Frank ,never too late to start.

[@fionarobertson9308]

At last! A project where I definitely won't end up tearing the wood!

[@ikust007]

ahahahahaha! good one!

[@fionarobertson9308]

^^^ hangs head in shame... I tore the wood...

[@headknocker8999]

Me Too!! Must have been going against the grain..

[@notthenutter]

Oh my word, fancy seeing you here! From Jason Burns to Paul Sellers. What a blessed relief!

[@twcmaker]

😂 😂 😂 Best reply

[@OffGrid9]

Mr Sellers, I'm 75, been doing simple carpentry, shed-building, minor woodworking projects for over 50 years. I've always kept an oily rag hanging on a hook, but it was always too dry (had to add oil) or too wet (...because I just added some oil). I've tried various methods to improve my oily rag, such as rolling it up and pounding on it with a hammer to distribute the oil. Nothing worked all that well. Now, I subscribed to your channel for woodworking tips, sharpening tips, tool tips...but this rag-in-a-can oiler is a perfect example of why I love your videos -- simple ideas to resolve everyday issues faced by ANY man or woman with a need to use hand tools. Thank you.

[@mattc3152]

I completely underestimated how much this would reduce the friction on a plane. The first time I tried it I pushed with the usual amount of force and flopped belly first onto the bench and nearly threw my plane across the shop.

[@artheen4713]

Unfortunately, household / bicycle oil on the sole of a plane also tends to stain the wood with iron for the first few passes. No matter how little oil is used; it lifts any oxidised iron from the plane and deposits it on the wood. So only do this if you intend to do multiple passes. Pure mineral oil doesn't have that side effect, and is even slicker, but doesn't last very long.

[@scotttovey]

@Art Heen Try sewing machine oil. It's clear and will not stain cloth. That should translate to not staining wood. I don't have a plane so I can test the theory.

[@chris7662]

That's funny!

[@jefflebowski4110]

Didn't happen if there isn't a video... sure would enjoy seeing it :)

[@MrConminer]

It nearöy happened to me aswell 😂

[@pgeorgak1]

I feel very lucky to watch a man just for the way he works. You make the specific project seem like a secondary issue. The most important thing is the state of mind of the artisan. Though I'm not even a moderate hobbyist woodworker, as a farmer - mastic grower, I want to thank you for helping me so much to calibrate my state of mind and use my body effectively on my farming. Greetings from Chios - Greece!

[@paulweston8184]

Sellers, in my opinion, is such a great instructor. I think it's how he varies his tone of voice and his choice of words that keeps my attention and makes his instructions easy to follow. If my teachers growing up could hold my attention half as good as Sellers, I would've enjoyed learning and had been excited to go to school.

[@noelwrightpersonal]

Brilliant idea!! I found it hard to get the rolled up fabric into the can so, I used a large screw band hose clamp around the fabric about 10-15mm above lip of the can to compress the fabric then push it in. Once pushed in loosen the clamp, move it up 15 mm and repeat. Great thing to have around.

[@farrier2708]

Thanks for letting me see that demonstrated again. It brought back memories, because it's a technique my Granddad taught me. I'm blowing my own trumpet here, but I've refined it a tad. If you use a plastic pot instead of a tin can and warm it up a bit, the plastic expands sufficiently to get the rag in easily without all the faffing about, and contracts to hold firmly, as it cools. In addition there is absolutely no chance of damaging tools with metal to metal contact when you use it.

[@twcmaker]

Good call 👍 I like it

[@apmeehan]

At the risk of asking a stupendously dumb question, where might one find a suitably sized plastic pot? Asking for a friend whose mind is currently drawing a blank 😄

[@farrier2708]

@@apmeehan It doesn't have to be a specific size pot. The bottom cut off a 500ml plastic bottle works quite well.

[@apmeehan]

@@farrier2708 Ahh of course. Cheers!

[@brianmilum2577]

The can I used tended to slip on the bench top. I glued a piece of rubberized drawer liner to the bottom of the can, and now it works as intended.

[@GriffinBenchmark]

This is what makes KZbin so special. Little known down home ideas from around the world that are so simple yet so obscure. My grandfather actually taught me something similar to this years ago as well. He also taught me how to clean lawnmower air filters with gasoline and how to use asbestos for insulation but who's counting! ... Haha! 😂😂 Great video Paul!

[@tomrogerson2118]

It's amazing how I just watched someone stuff a shirt into a can and enjoyed the whole thing. Great job Paul. Your ability to teach is amazing. Keep up the great work

[@lesblack413]

me too Tom!! Great little video.

[@titus142]

This thing works great and has become a staple on my workbench ever since I heard about it. And for everyone trying to find every possible issue with it, Sellers has been using it for OVER 50 YEARS. I think if there were any issues at this point he would be well aware of it.

[@enclosingthefield]

After too many years in a tiny city-centre flat I now have the workshop space and a house to fill with furniture. I have been binge-watching your videos for the past month, I have just made a rag-in-a-can oiler. My first project; now I need to get on and make the workbench, restore an old plane, acquire a spokeshave, sharpen tools properly… Thankyou, every moment of your presentation is informative, a pleasure to watch and listen, and learn.

[@GaryWall]

My late big brother was an apprenticed carpenter. He showed me the rag in a can idea many years ago and I'm really glad Paul has this media to be able to share the idea. This video prompted me to make another one partly because after a while you can't trim the frayed cotton anymore and partly because I had a long piece of 5mm thick by 40mm wide leather to try. I prepared the can as Paul instructs, Packed the bottom with some of the oil filled tee shirt from the last can. Then I coiled the leather real tight a forced it into the can before re-charging it with 3 in 1 oil. This comment is over three years later April 2020. I'm using the same can which works no better than the rag idea but the upside is there is no fraying and it doesn't catch on saw teeth.

[@twcmaker]

That's a great solution. I just need to find some leather now

[@JohnKirkwoodProFoodHomemade]

Simple, practical and cheap, useful for many trades not just carpentry, very nice video Paul.

[@MrRwp1]

What to give to someone who already has everything ! Oil in a can, love it.

[@PAPIOPA1]

I just love these videos were you teach us the real know how, the tiny details, the little tools we can make. Thanks, Paul!

[@D4u2s0t]

Wife: lets go, we're late, wtf are you doing Me: hold on, im learning how to put a rag into a tomato can, only 7 minutes left Wife: rethinks her life choices Me: well, she left, guess i can test it out!

[@scruffy4647]

That was my laugh for the day

[@carlcook9094]

I very much appreciate the improved video quality. High end cameras are not cheap, those.

[@SolveEtCoagula93]

It's the little things that make me smile. Sticking the partly made role of cloth in the vice to hold it. Why didn't I think of that?

[@stevebettany8778]

Empty Head the man does keep saying it's your third hand.

[@wadepatton2433]

Of course I'd already made one from watching Mr. Sellers' videos. Watched the video anyway. Paul's video team makes good vids.

[@puppoopainter]

Genius + Creativity + Simplicity = Paul Sellers . Bless you Paul, you are such a life saver 👍🙏

[@el_wumberino]

… and modesty. That's the icing on the cake. The combination of those four ingredients make his videos so highly enjoyable and instructive.

[@BarryinFredonia]

Great idea. My wife did the cutting/rolling after she heard me saying I needed one. Thank you.

[@willb1157]

When I started buying grown up tools, this is the first thing I made. lasts ages and REALLY SAVES the tools. Brilliant. Having paul sellers on my phone has saved me immeasurable work. Thank you Paul.

[@Felipera_]

I just made myself one and will start using it tomorrow! I only came here to warn anyone willing to go for it that watching the oil dripping on the rag and getting soaked in is ADDICTIVE!!! I lost 2 hours of my time watching it go slowly drop by drop and put the whole oil container into my rag in a can! That is not a problem, but just wanted to warn you that if you're not relaxing at 10pm like I am this could cause time budgeting issues! Thanks Paul for the knowledge you pass onto us.

[@freakazoid5907]

Thank you for the great idea. I watched the video with my wife and we made a couple of these the next day. to make things easier for my wife, I put a couple of large hose clamps around the roll of fabric to compress it when putting it into the can. She was able to put almost an entire long sleeve XL cotton shirt into an 8 ounce can - amazing!

Today I just made my rag in a can oiler. I am excited in a few days I will have my perfect tool to oil my tools. Before I experimented with light machine oil and it is like Paul said, it leaves no markes. Thank you Paul for this awsome tip.

[@gunterschone8402]

Nice video, Paul. I built an oiler last year, where I had seen the oiler with you. I also took an empty can of tin and then took the pants leg of an old jeans pants and then soaked with oil. I also use the oiler for my saws and planer. Thanks for the interesant and educational videos. Greetings from Germany.

[@michaelmichalofsky6275]

Now I know what to do with my old jeans. Thanks michael

[@kurtgoodwin9490]

finally made one of these and all i can say is that i wish I had done so a long time ago. Wonderful tip thanks Paul!

[@davidtimperley4241]

I've been working with wood since I was five when my grandfather introduced me to woodworking, but made a rag in a can two years ago when I first saw your video and it work really well, I'm now retired so you are always learning. Thanks Paul

[@caskwith]

Its a useful thing, I have something similar I made using one of those tubes you get drill bits in, that way I have a lid on it. I can then keep mine in the tool box without making a mess. I use mine with cheap motor oil as its for rough outdoor work and preventing tools rusting.

[@stanbrown915]

Your videos make me happy. Thank you.

[@joedaq6678]

Fantastic Paul! Thank You, been making Sawdust for 52 of my 61 years and Honestly never thought of Your Rag in a Can. Not saying that I don't Lubricate Bladed and Irons. Far from it, but I've been more the Hunk of Bees Wax, Can of squirt oil and a rag to wipe off the excess. again Thanks ... And we Yankees might say, "Cool Tool" my friend... Have Great Week, Joe

[@stevefowler3398]

I've been lubricating tools with ends of candles for decades. And advising others to do the same thing. I have to revise that now. Damn you Mr Sellers. You have ruined everything.

[@kerfuffal]

Just found your channel, I wish I had your patience You are a legend!

[@ardybe7011]

You Sir, are a genius...

[@johnpurser2798]

I made two of these for my current shop. One lives on the bench and one lives where I keep my tools.

[@JoshBabin]

Great idea. Looking forward to the next video on the stool!

[@Paul.Sellers]

Its up and fixed now.

[@gcbound]

Excellent - I'd made one about a week ago and I can see it's Rag-in-a-can 1.0 without some of the refinements here, but it works :) I'd suggest, not the least flippantly, that if you sold Paul Sellers t-shirts without your name on them, but with a prominent Rag-in-a-can in the center, any of your regular viewers would know who was behind it!

[@JoelWetzel]

I wish I had the means to bring you to my shop and keep you for several days; you've likely forgotten more of what interests me than I'll know. Thank you for what you're doing here on KZbin.

[@adamgoldband4858]

Thanks Paul! So glad you finally did this video!!

[@2litrepeter.]

Thanks very much for showing us. Made one yesterday after watching this. Used a small tuna can and found a whole pillow case was the perfect fit.

[@imortaldeadead]

Thank you so much for showing this to everyone, it much appreciated 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ecwhite3621]

Paul, thanks for the great idea. I immediately saved back a can from the trash and with an old tee shirt I now have a can oiler. Two thumbs up!

[@Mr_Rick]

Watched this several years ago and love it. It's a fixture in my shop now.

[@ClintsHobbiesDIY]

I'm going hunting for a can now. Many thanks Paul.

[@ladygardener100]

Who would ever think I would watch Paul folding and rolling some cloth, lol. I'm an addict :) ty

[@dannelson6301]

Great tip! Thanks, Paul ... for all that you've done to advance the art of woodworking.

[@MarkGarth]

Pretty much every one of your videos are inspirational.

[@jishaku38]

It's just timely topic for me , thank you!

[@shopnwoods9901]

These work great. I've used mine for awhile now. Ever since I saw it on an older one of you videos using a plane.

[@krabenaldt7605]

Mr. Sellers I enjoy your wisdom and simple solution to things. What a great idea.

[@javierbiaggi3072]

Excelent gadget and superb filming and music. So appropriate metal string on a wooden guitar and that's the essence of woodworking steel and wood. Bravo!

[@andregross7420]

Will probably make one to keeo my milling machine table oiled, no more oily hands from oily rags!

[@macadamia1966]

I made one tonight... I used flour sack cloth dish towels and a $0.26 can of tomato sauce. I ironed two of the dish towels and this made them easier to roll and put in the can. Thanks!

[@garyoa1]

Made one of these a few years back. Was surprised that it took like 500 gallons of oil to fill! LOL But after a few days of filling and letting it sit, it puts on a perfect amount of oil to any tool. Not too much, not too little with no drips or leaks. Brilliant!

[@trainlens3789]

That's so strange...mine required only 475 gallons. Must be the type of fabric.

[@neriyah]

Thank you Mr. Paul Sellers, you are the man.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Awesome little trick!

[@debluetailfly]

I made a second Rag-in-a-can Oiler for the bathroom. I use it to coat my razor after shaving. I have a Dovo Bismarck and an antique made by the Electric Cutlery Co. I refer to it as my Electric Shaver. You may not want to hone a chisel or plane iron on a 15000 grit Shapton stone, but I can sure feel a difference on my face! Smoothest shave I have ever achieved!

[@tommccurnin524]

Thanks! When lubricating saws and planes at school, most people looked for a can of paste wax, which was messy and did not provide full coverage to the saw or plane. This is perfect. I used a regular sized Campbell's Soup Can and 1½ TShirts, cut in a strip, and about 8oz of 3-in-1 Oil, about 2 bottles. Works perfectly.

[@Joe_Sant]

Great idea Paul. Seen you use this many times. Thanks for sharing how you make one. I'm surprised how much rag you can get in a can. All the best. Really enjoy the videos thanks again for sharing your knowledge.

[@headknocker8999]

Finally!! A project i CAN make without even sharpening & it smells good too!! I guess covering the face of your vise with leather is another of those SECRET ideas.. Thanks Paul.. Gary/Hk Luthier in Training @ 51 years old..

[@fishingforparis]

Wonderful idea. I’m going to make one tomorrow. You are an inspiration. Thank you.

[@steverochon1620]

I made one of these after seeing someone credit you with the idea. It's invaluable. Thank you, and I hope you're well!

[@tpobrienjr]

My grandfather kept cotton waste around for wiping oil off, and used the oily waste to wipe down his tools. Mr Sellers has a neater method. I will watch the pantry for just the right size can. Thanks!

[@garyhome7101]

I found a little wax rubbed on the sole does wonders for friction.

[@williampaulhamus7696]

Thank you for sharing your amazing wisdom

[@threeriversforge1997]

Wonderful idea! I love the practicality and it sure beats the oily rag that I try to keep around here in the blacksmith shop. If I had to add one thing, it'd be a cover or lid of some sort that'd keep the crud off the rag while it's sitting on the shelf. Definitely something I see me making in the next few weeks! Thank you for the wonderful idea.

[@JoeWrigley]

I like to try and find two cans where one is a slightly bigger diameter so it fits over the smaller one as a lid

[@threeriversforge1997]

@@JoeWrigley Great minds think alike!! I've been hunting for that combo, but haven't struck gold yet.

[@MrDunk66]

I know this is a very old post but I only just found it - great idea! Made my own and to make it quick and clean to add the oil I wrapped the neck tightly in plastic food wrap with the top open. Could have emptied the entire bottle of 3-in-1 without any spillage.

[@WrenintheRoses]

I’m going to make one of those handy devices today

[@Matt_Rattigan]

I've been waiting for this video for 2 years!

[@waynephillips2777]

Thanks, I made one last weekend using a can and some old bath cloths. I think it will work out fine.

[@cozydram1]

Absolutely Brilliant ...... i remember my dad using one when he worked for the CO-OP cabinet / furniture making. when i was little.........thanks Paul........for sharing ..........

[@BDM_PT]

Hi there from Portugal, I use this and is great :D Obrigado(thanks)

[@Paul.Sellers]

We've added English subtitles to this video. We work hard to reach as many people around the world and help them learn woodworking. We need your help to translate our videos subtitles to your language and progress our work. Please contribute translations here: kzbin.info_cs_panel?tab=2&c=UCc3EpWncNq5QL0QhwUNQb7w

[@sampearson1484]

bloody awesome mate .. I can help translate into Australian . or as we call it here . "strain" .. cheers

[@lautoka63]

"Strine". Cheers from the shaky isles: happy to help.@@sampearson1484

[@inurspace]

Hi Paul. My tools tend to rust very quickly in my workshop. Your video inspired me to make one of these today. I used an old towel, which I'm hoping will be just as good. Thank you.

[@wayneisinwater]

thanks for making this video, love the great quality of this recording!

[@lostnwoods44]

I used a small tomato can like Paul did and 3 old cotton tube socks rolled up inside. They fit perfectly with some force like Paul showed. I used liquid ballistol for my oil and I couldn't be happier with the results.

[@haroldschultz5864]

I was quite impressed that this was all accomplished in one video . I had thought surely it would be three parts . I was however confused a bit as there was no reference of the Imperial measurements for this project .

[@artheen4713]

In addition to a rag-in-a-can, I also have a second one that is the same, except for being tied with sisal around it instead of being stuffed into a can. That one, I use for oiling and cleaning my oil stones and anything cast iron, and as it gets dirty, I shave off the top with a knife, and it's ready again.

[@kurtgoodwin9490]

Freaking Brilliant!! it's always the simple ideas that are the most powerful

[@billgiles3261]

Thank you Paul, I have been hobby woodworking for a while and just made an oil can. I cannot believe the difference it made when I was planing some wood, like it had just been sharpened.

[@Paul.Sellers]

It's funny how we think we know. I've used the same rag in a can oiler and worked with men who taught me and did the same for over five decades now and never once did I see this supposed problem occur. It just sits there on my bench wide open for daily use over a lifetime.

[@McAVITYourWay.]

In School, my woodwork teacher (Mr Cook) showed us this little gem, and here I am, 50 years later, still using a rag in a can oiler, and I've never had any issues with it :)

[@nitramretep]

My apologies if I was stepping on your approach to the rag in a can. I used the towel as it was the only thing I had suitable for the application. I have no doubt your idea is perhaps better, I consider you to be the definitive source regarding these and other areas. Thanks for your videos.

[@lazycarper7925]

paul please can you help me,im on a very tight budget, and i need chissels and a plane ,ive been waiting for aldi chissels but they havent been in stock for over a year, so any budget ones you like?, and also a budget plane to cover most basic diy, im very good at sherpening and have watched and will do like your videos, thanks for the vids and all the best

[@jarroddraper5140]

lazy carper um mayby a irwin set

[@davogifman542]

@@lazycarper7925 Really the cheapest chisel on the planet will work. Although you will to work a lot more getting them in tune; you know flat bottom,and proper edge. An once their tuned,and properly sharp you will have to keep the edge keen by stropping more often then a high quality set,but it will work just fine until you save your funds up to buy a good quality set. i got mine at Harbor Freight a four piece set of bench chisel for $8.00 u.s an after a lot of work they've done well for almost three years now. I'd love to get a nice set,but these haven't broke... yet. lol

[@gregarrell6132]

I have always used one. I use an off cut of old carpet under-felt instead of rag. You probably can’t get the felt any more, so I may have to start using rags for the next one.

[@WorkingViews]

Essential for serious woodworkers

[@locomac49]

Paul's videos are great. It keeps craft knowledge from dying with the craftsman. Lot of little tricks and tools that all wood workers should be aware of. In particular, has anyone tried this with WD-40? The WD stands for Water Displacement and in addition to lubing the tool, it would also help keep the tool from rusting. I will give it a shot and see how it goes.

[@David-hm9ic]

Gunsmiths love WD-40. People that don't know any better use it on their guns which end up at the gunsmith to be cleaned and repaired. After its minimal lubricating properties evaporate it leaves a sticky residue that seems to promote rust.

[@whistle3man]

I like it. Thanks for the tip. Ill make one.

[@Apokalypzx]

Thanks for the video, it's an amazing idea and easy on the wallet. I just made one with an empty fruit can that I cut in half and a few washcloths I cut into strips to fit. I found the washcloths would slide in and out pretty easily, probably due to my can not having a rim. So I anchored the cloths in place by drilling a couple screws in the side of the can. I noticed the screw heads that stick out also help me grip the can and manipulate it around easier.

[@111raybartlett]

Thanks great tip! Made mine a couple weeks ago.

[@charlesmdasilva]

You gotta just love this guy.

[@ychyro]

People could do some things different our don't agree with you sr. Our with some methods you use and show. I'm shore that you sr. Ar a great master, and that no one can argument! I can only appreciate and thank you for the sharing of your knowledge. I'm not a religious person, but i intend to say Amen every time that you sr. teache something... (Excuse me my inglish) shears!

[@MrWoody135]

I've now found a good use for the old T-towels in the kitchen and buy some new ones for the kitchen. Well done yet again. Something else to make, following on from the sharpening station, the scrub plane, .......its endless. Better make my kitchen oak table soon and stop procrastinating !!!!

[@chrisrivers7147]

Paul you are such a funny fella ya know . quite simplicity but they way u did it made me chuckle god bless always

[@jjjvclub]

Great idea, nice little project. Thanks for sharing!

[@tonyy5482]

Made my Paul Sellers Rag-in-a-can oiler last night - works great! I just re-oiled a lot of my tools, large & small. I used a sweet corn can - smaller diameter than Paul's but same height (~3"); a bigger diameter will allow slightly faster coverage on saws and there is no real advantage to going smaller, it was the only small can available. I used a holey old toweling tea towel from the rag bag to stuff the can and soaked it with my selected (Tesco) Baby oil (£2 for 500ml) honing oil which contains only: "paraffinum liquidum" (light mineral oil/kerosene?) and "parfum" (scent) - you need Latin and/or a degree in industrial chemistry to understand labels in the UK these days it seems :( Works well on carving gouges, knives, adzes, axes and chisels as wells as saws & planes. Excellent.

[@jalanham1]

Awsome! I am going to try this to use to finish my blacksmithing pieces. Although I think the rag would have to be quite a bit more soaked with oil. It would also work for keeping a protective coat on my hammers and tongs.

[@michaelsimpson9779]

Nice work Paul

[@Piterszczyk]

This is great! Will defiinitely try it. I will get a can with a lid to make such oiler for work though- I work on commercial construction sites so having an open can with a rag soaked in oil inside my tool bag isn't the best idea.

[@interact48]

I’m eating beans on toast just to make one , in the bin go my oily rags thank you

[@ramingr]

I will definitely make that for myself. Thanks!