On 4/16/2014 11:42 PM, Don Schwartz wrote:
>
 > I always apply a bit of paraffin wax to a plane sole before planing,
 > then rub the plane back & forth a couple of times on a piece of
 > sheepskin. In his sharpening book and planing video, Jim Kingshot
 > inisists "the informed' use an oil wick, a shallow wooden box he
 > keeps on his bench with a large cloth wick in it, which he charges
 > with linseed, swiping the plane across it before using. But he
 > doesn't explain his preference. Does anyone have any comments or
 > preferences in this regard? Please explain.

Those wicks are interesting, and I made one years ago and tried
using it.  It was not good.  Oh, don't get me wrong, it lubed the plane
soles wonderfully, and really allows one to keep right on working
without a break in the rhythm.   But *this* one doesn't plane all day
every day, so that kind of rhythm hurts.  I find it far better to stop
(the key word here is "stop") and pick up the misshapen hunk of
paraffin wax off the bench and rub it over the plane sole.  This
provides a welcome break, however short, from the arduous job
of planing.

And that's one opinion from one sedentary desk jockey who
dabbles in handtoolery.

Darrell

-- 
Darrell LaRue
Oakville ON
Wood Hoarder, Blade Sharpener, and Occasional Tool User