Question about boiled linseed oil

[carlojoel]

I picked up a Hollands 25 H vise & getting ready to clean it up & paint it. I was reading on tho vise repair thread about using boiled linseed oil on them. What does this help do? If it helps with stopping rust could I use it on other tools? I also got a older metal square that I'm going to clean up & keep it from rusting.

Thanks,
Joel

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Whatever you do, if you use linseed oil, take any rags, waste, contaminated trash, etc, RAGS, did I say RAGS, and get them outside as soon as you are through using them, even if you stop for a lunch break, get them outside in a fireproof waste container, away from the building.

Linseed oil contaminated rags and other stuff is the very worst about spontaneous combustion, and it can happen in a few minutes while you are in the house eating lunch.

Charles

 

[Stevedore]

If you're going to paint it, I'm not sure what you'd need the BLO for. It coats & hardens on metal items, but it'll just preserve the bare cast iron look. That's good, f you want the plain cast iron look.

And +1 on Charles' comments above!

 

[theoldwizard1]

Good primer and paint or Fluid Film.

 

[carlojoel]

Thanks for all the info! Charles I will definitely take the rags outside. I might even do it outside. Steve I will paint part of it but should the bare parts be coated with BLO? I have been using either Marvel's mystery oil or Fluid Film on of my hand tools after I clean them up.

 

[My Old Tools]

Don't use it on machined (sliding) surfaces. It is like paint. It won't be slippery like other oils.

 

[Cyberbear]

BLO from my experience leaves a nasty residue that serves little purpose. There are modern coatings that will preserve the raw metal finish better than BLO. If the restored item is to be used, don't coat the working surfaces.