I'm sort of new here and this may have already been discussed to death, and if so I apologize. What kind of oil is best for wood flutes? I have a mopane and have been using organic flaxseed oil. I keep it refrigerted in a brown bottle so it won't spoil. Is this OK to use? I oil it maybe three or four times a year, or whenever it looks dull. I oil it inside and out. Also, will cork grease help the threads from unwrapping?
I'm not sure about particular woods but i hear almond oil is the best for wooden flutes in general. aye i think you should corkgrease the threads but i'm not about oiling the outside of the flute- i'v tried it before but it just left the flute greasy and boggin!
Ádh-mór!!
PS; my SO uses almond oil, infrequently, but I believe she does give the outside the lightest rub with it too, like a polish.
I seem to remember Cathal MacConnel using, olive oil I think it was, many years ago, much like an ungeunt, anointing most surfaces within reach with it, much to the amusement of the rest of the Boys.
Almond oil does have a good reputation. I think the commonest is linseed oil, but it MUST be raw - the so-called "boiled" includes polymerising agents, so it is, I believe a bit toxic and it will seriously gunge up your flute.
I have heard of grapeseed oil being used too.
As for grease, it may well help hold the threads, but you'll need to find the right consistency for your particular combination of joints and threads. You can make your own by melting together a bit of beeswax with some vaseline. Start at, say, two parts beeswax to one of vaseline, and find out when it's cold whether to add more beeswax to stiffen it or more vaseline to soften it. I've done this in an old tea-light holder. Half full, and you have enough to last you years.
I have always used Baby Oil in my flute, inside and outside. It is a very light oil and it does not gunge up the flute. I have a fully keyed flute so this does not effect the keys either. you don't need to use very much but may need to oil it more often than with some of the stronger oils. It's is easy to get too.
Here in the states, doesn't "baby oil" contain mineral oil? Or am I going senile? Mineral oil won't absorb into the wood, so it doesn't do anything to condition the wood..
I've been using the Bore Doctor oil on my blackwood Copley for two years now, and I like it a lot. No need to refrigerate it, never develops a smell or flavor, goes on very light, and leaves no residue.
I doubt if baby oil contains mineral oil, as babies don't contain minerals. Don't use red diesel in the UK, or you might get arrested or even taxed. If you're in Yorkshire, consider using coil oil. Don't use rape oil in the presence of young ladies. Sesame oil is good for the Doors.
Best Oil for Mopane Flute
Best Oil for Mopane Flute
I'm sort of new here and this may have already been discussed to death, and if so I apologize. What kind of oil is best for wood flutes? I have a mopane and have been using organic flaxseed oil. I keep it refrigerted in a brown bottle so it won't spoil. Is this OK to use? I oil it maybe three or four times a year, or whenever it looks dull. I oil it inside and out. Also, will cork grease help the threads from unwrapping?
thanks for any imput!
# Posted on May 16th 2006 by O'Lehane
Re: Best Oil for Mopane Flute
I'm not sure about particular woods but i hear almond oil is the best for wooden flutes in general. aye i think you should corkgrease the threads but i'm not about oiling the outside of the flute- i'v tried it before but it just left the flute greasy and boggin!
Ádh-mór!!
# Posted on May 16th 2006 by double bass
Re: Best Oil for Mopane Flute
correction-"not SURE about oiling the outside"
# Posted on May 16th 2006 by double bass
Re: Best Oil for Mopane Flute
"Not about oiling the outside" seems as good english to me, and perfectly understandable; "I'm not about to..." is also quite acceptable.
# Posted on May 16th 2006 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Best Oil for Mopane Flute
PS; my SO uses almond oil, infrequently, but I believe she does give the outside the lightest rub with it too, like a polish.
I seem to remember Cathal MacConnel using, olive oil I think it was, many years ago, much like an ungeunt, anointing most surfaces within reach with it, much to the amusement of the rest of the Boys.
# Posted on May 16th 2006 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Best Oil for Mopane Flute
Almond oil does have a good reputation. I think the commonest is linseed oil, but it MUST be raw - the so-called "boiled" includes polymerising agents, so it is, I believe a bit toxic and it will seriously gunge up your flute.
I have heard of grapeseed oil being used too.
As for grease, it may well help hold the threads, but you'll need to find the right consistency for your particular combination of joints and threads. You can make your own by melting together a bit of beeswax with some vaseline. Start at, say, two parts beeswax to one of vaseline, and find out when it's cold whether to add more beeswax to stiffen it or more vaseline to soften it. I've done this in an old tea-light holder. Half full, and you have enough to last you years.
# Posted on May 16th 2006 by Linsey Doyle
Re: Best Oil for Mopane Flute
I have always used Baby Oil in my flute, inside and outside. It is a very light oil and it does not gunge up the flute. I have a fully keyed flute so this does not effect the keys either. you don't need to use very much but may need to oil it more often than with some of the stronger oils. It's is easy to get too.
# Posted on May 17th 2006 by trudyod
Re: Best Oil for Mopane Flute
I use Almond Oil.
# Posted on May 17th 2006 by Why Bother?
Re: Best Oil for Mopane Flute
Here in the states, doesn't "baby oil" contain mineral oil? Or am I going senile? Mineral oil won't absorb into the wood, so it doesn't do anything to condition the wood..
I've been using the Bore Doctor oil on my blackwood Copley for two years now, and I like it a lot. No need to refrigerate it, never develops a smell or flavor, goes on very light, and leaves no residue.
Here's a link http://www.beafifer.com/boredoctor.htm that explains the differences among several types of oils.
# Posted on May 17th 2006 by Will Harmon
Re: Best Oil for Mopane Flute
I heard old players still use Guinness.
# Posted on May 17th 2006 by slainte
Re: Best Oil for Mopane Flute
I doubt if baby oil contains mineral oil, as babies don't contain minerals. Don't use red diesel in the UK, or you might get arrested or even taxed. If you're in Yorkshire, consider using coil oil. Don't use rape oil in the presence of young ladies. Sesame oil is good for the Doors.
# Posted on May 17th 2006 by LastToFinish
Re: Best Oil for Mopane Flute
GPete, I heard Cathal Mac Connal rubs coffee on his eyes as well !!-doesn't mean it does any good!
(most likely not true anyway)
# Posted on May 17th 2006 by double bass
Re: Best Oil for Mopane Flute
Lots of good advice! Tanks!
# Posted on May 17th 2006 by O'Lehane
Re: Best Oil for Mopane Flute
In Chiff & Fipple they recommend almond oil and add Vit E to it to prevent breakdown. Conservation in a cold and dark place.
# Posted on May 18th 2006 by brotherstorm