Wood Thread Lubricant

Recently I was noodling around with the gigantazoid wood vise screw that was part of the FORP package from several year ago.  Since I only got my bench up on its feet in recent months, I’d had no reason to give the leg vise much thought.  These screws were custom made by Lake Erie Toolworks specifically for the FORP benches, and are a thing of fearsome beauty and function.

To make sure it would operate easily I ordered some unscented mutton tallow and worked into both sets of threads with a toothbrush, and sure enough it works like a charm.

Previously I had been using wax on threads like these, sometimes even a wax/petroleum jelly blend, but find the tallow to work much better.  Since we live in sheep country I’ll have to see if any of the locals make it.