Mineral Oil for Wet/Dry Paper?

Fitzhugh

Fitzhugh

Joined
Feb 5, 2013
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In the woodworking world it is very common to use light mineral oil on wet dry paper when sharpening. In fact, I've never seen WD-40 recommended. I doubt it matters whether one is sharpening or sanding the bevels of a blade. Any comments on why WD-40 would be better?

I keep mineral oil in a spray bottle and use it liberally, but it is very easy to clean up and doesn't stink (unless you get baby oil instead, which is just mineral oil with stink added).

Just wondering - haven't had a moment's peace to try it myself.

EDIT: I was wrong - it's the heavy stuff that I have, and that I've heard others suggest. Not because it's best, probably because it's what is in the laxative isle everywhere. Thanks BITEME for pointing that out
 
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I'll have to try and see how much a difference it makes. I looked up WD-40 and (according to the god-like infallibility of the random and anonymous self-proclaimed expert that happened to edit the wikipedia page last) it's a dollop of mineral oil in a bigger glop of Stoddard Solvents (which, apparently, is either naphtha or isn't). Mineral oil is stuff you give babies and gramps to make them poop. The solvent part is stuff you should kinda sorta should wear gloves with and not pour down the drain. Mobil 1 is probably worse*.

I don't mind using chemicals.** I just want it to be worth the small extra hassle. I'd have to wear gloves, my hands react to WD-40 way too easily. Mineral oil does help keep the paper lubricated, clears swarf, etc. but it might well not be as good. I'll try the others. I'm just surprised I've never seen them mentioned in all the woodworking sites on sharpening (google "scary sharp" - what woodworkers call sharpening with abrasive paper, named after an early email).

Thanks for the suggestions,
Fitzhugh

*Actually, it's not. According to Mobil's MSDS, which is surely as trustworthy as wikipedia (ummm, ok...): "Excessive exposure may result in eye, skin, or respiratory irritation. Low order of toxicity. High-pressure injection under skin may cause serious damage." So don't shoot up synthetic motor oil?!? Damn, there goes my weekend plans :(

**Anyone else see the "chemical free" chemistry sets referred to on the news? There goes childhood, see http://blogs.plos.org/speakeasyscience/2011/04/29/chemical-free-chemistry/ for example. And yes, I do know mineral oil is a chemical too.
 
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