I bought a hand-held glass cutter that has a lubricant dispenser. The manufacturer recommends filling the tool with kerosene, not cutting oil, because the dispenser uses a wick and kerosene wicks better due to its lower viscosity.
The clerk at the hardware store asked how much kerosene I needed. “About a tablespoon,” I replied.
He shook his head and said “We sell it in 2½-gallon cans,” and quoted a price that was more than the tool cost.
Is there a cheap substitute for kerosene?–or is there a way to thin down one of the many lubricants already on my shelf? There’s silicone spray, WD-40, camellia oil, knife-honing oil, sewing machine oil, 3-in-1 oil, vegetable oil for lubricating paper shredders, molybdenum spray, 30W motor oil, ….
In the meantime, I’m going to bypass the dispenser system entirely and just dip the cutter head in honing oil before each cut.
Janet
Replies
glass cutter oil
How about Coleman fuel for their lanteren. Should be able to buy a small can.
Oh sure
(aaaaah by the way Coleman fuel is gasoline and just couldn't be more dangerous to have sitting around in a wood shop).
There are places that sell kerosene by the pump like automobile fuels. They sell solvent for cleaning parts at the same pumps. Gives you a head ache but less flammable than gas or kero.
I would show up with a little jar, run up from out of the bushes in full camouflage gear, shake the nozzle over the jar, ( a few table spoons worth is bound to run out ) and run for your life.
But that's just me.
: )
PS: can you imagine the entertainment this would provide for any on lookers ? Priceless.
Cutter
Janet
If you're just cutting stained glass or picture glass (very thin) those tools will work without lubricant. For heavier glass you can use the red devil cutters w/turps applied over the line with a small brush
SA
Glass cutter lube
We used mineral spirits on the glass cutter when I worked at the hardware store. Regular paint thinner or the odorless kind should work just fine. You can even buy a pint can!
Kerosene
FWIW, Lowes sells kerosene in 1-gallon cans for a bit over $10. Since kerosene has many other uses in the shop, a gallon probably wouldn't be a waste.
What other uses?
I've only heard of kerosene being used in camp stoves and lanterns. And I read that it once was used for treating head lice.
Janet
it is amazzing
what has been used as the basis for medicinal research and what old remedies still work
ron
Kerosene uses
Kerosene's use as jet fuel may be of little value for the average homeowner. But, its use for lamps, heaters, and some camp stoves is good as a back-up plan for power outages and such. (Note that most Coleman lanterns and stoves use white gas, so I'm not sure how they would react to kerosene.)
It is also used as a cleaning solvent, a lubricant (especially for drilling certain metals), and a pesticide, along with many "traditional" home remedies. When lit, kerosene has a relatively low flame temperature, so its a favorite for fire dancers, as well. (If one has had a long-suppressed desire to become a fire dancer. ;-) )
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