2022-12 December  

Woodworking Equipment Maintenance

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This article attempts to outline ways that Members can assist the Club's Maintenance Team with Club equipment as well as a good reference for thoughts on your own equipment at home.

For using the tools, this was covered earlier. See:  https://www.knoxwoodies.org.au/2022-09-largeprint

 

Proper storage, ensures longevity and efficiency. Storing tools and equipment was also covered in August 2019 edition of ingrained, which is also a useful topic for planning your shed.
     see:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qkzI2eS4ZxYfnw8rHJOdgpEEWhZUpWiZ/view

 

 

Objective:

"Store them well, keep them clean, always sharp, and ensure they're properly lubricated and aligned ....   then you'll enjoy using them."

 

 

Key tools and materials  you should have

Use the right tools and consumables for the 'maintenance' job

 

protection:     
Boiled linseed oil can be used to condition the wood handles and protect the metal working parts of tools. When applied to the metal parts, it creates a barrier between the metal and oxygen, preventing rust.

lubrication:    
graphite,  White lithium grease,  Inox lubricant,   or  WD Specialist silicone lubricant (good when rubber O-rings exist)    .... picking the right one is important for given applications.
 

maintenance toolkit: 
allen keys, depth gauges, wixey leveller,  cir-clip pliers,  cutters, screwdrivers, spanners and socket set,  rubber mallet, sandpaper (wet'n'dry 1000+ grit), socket sets, power screw-driver, tie-wraps

cleaning:       
cleaning rags, lint-free cloths,  dust pan and brush,  toothbrush,  compressed air,  vacuum,

 

sharpening:  
emery wheel, white stone grinder,  sharpening stone (say 3000 - 6000 grit), honing guide

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Tasks

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(1) Turn it OFF before doing maintenance

(2) Maintenance Manuals / instruction Manuals and servicing schedules
      - they'll explain the jobs to do for the tool in question

next:    check that you've really performed (1) and (2)

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(3) cleaning (including drying/storing after use) 
      -   'Rust' is the long term enemy here.

(4) sharpening                              
      -   'becoming proficient' at sharpening,  is the pre-requisite
      -    for professional sharpening of bandsaws, and circular saw blades, 
           consider:  https://www.jalortools.com.au/
 

(5) lubricating / oiling    
     -   'oils ain't oils!'   Use the right one for the machine, environment, friction, seal in question.

(6) protecting             
      -   cover it up, store it properly, ensuring it isn't damaged or made blunt!

(7) aligning / adjusting /calibrating                
      -    It has to be straight!

(8) inspecting regularly             
      -    safety first!.   Is it grounded,  firmly placed, is it all tight?

(9) replacing worn parts            
      -  if it wobbles - fix it!

(10) keep the accessories well organised        
    - know where to lay your hands on all the accessories!

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Some useful, additional reading:

https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Look-After-Your-Tools/

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For an in-depth historical view to maintenance:  Check: 
'Woodshop Tool Maintance" by Beryl Cunningham and William Holtrop (1956, 1974)

http://woodtools.nov.ru/books/woodshop_tool_main/woodshop_tool_main.pdf
 

Lubricating Planes 

Using bees wax versus oil

Lathe shafts and tail stocks.
Using Silicon oil


For a good explanation on lubricants, from WD40:

White Lithium Grease vs Silicone Lubricant: What’s the Difference?
https://wd40.com.au/uses/white-lithium-grease-vs-silicone-lubricant-whats-the-difference
 

Uses and Advantages of Silicone Lubricant

As mentioned above, and unlike lithium grease, silicone lubricant is the perfect lubricant for rubber surfaces, but it is also extremely versatile, so it can be used on most other materials, including metal, plastic, wood, and even painted materials.

Along with its lubricating properties, silicone lubricant is waterproofing and prevents moisture from penetrating into the surface, which causes corrosion and rusting. The application of silicone lubricant is fast and simple and does not attract any dirt or grime. Another one of the advantages of silicone lubricant is that it can handle different environments such as window seals, doors, plumbing fittings, tools, valves, linkages and other equipment. It is also effective throughout the year, in most weather conditions.

If you are looking for an effective, versatile lubricant, pick up a bottle of WD-40 High Performance Silicone Lubricant and add it to your toolbox. There are so many advantages of silicone lubricant, and it is a great product to have on hand to prevent damages to your tools and extend their lives.
 

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