I have a CLemen's Rod lathe and just wondering what everyone uses to oil the chuck to prevent rusting and promote smooth operation. ALso, where exactly do you oil? Remove the jaws and everything or just squirt it on?

I will wipe a light coating of some stuff called CRC Lubricant/Rust Preventative on all my exposed metal parts. I know one other builder who lightly coats his with BoeSheild T-9.

Take a piece of find scotchbrite and hold it against a spinning lathe chuck to remove any light oxidation. Then hold a pad that is coated with your oil or lube against the spinning chuck to impart a light film on it. You will need to do this as often as your particular climate (humidity) requires it.

Contrary to popular belief, this will not cause any harm to rods you finish on the lathe. I suppose it you wipe the threads across the coated parts you will have problems, but these parts normally do not come into contact with the rod. I would, however, recommend against any product that contains silicone.


............