We woodworkers have a unique problem when it comes to our machinery. We need our table saws to adjust easily and want our lathe beds to be nice and slick, but what to use? Sure, you could use paraffin wax or graphite spray, but these wear off and need to be regularly reapplied. So what’s a woodworker to do? Let me introduce you to an excellent product, Sandstrom 28A.
This is a dry lubricant void of graphite, lead, or other heavy metals that was developed for military uses. So out of the gate you can expect it to be tough and resiliant. This is my go to product for work surfaces, sliding table saws, lathe beds, and any other metal surface email that needs to be slick. What’s great about 28A is that it won’t cake up with sawdust like oil based lubricants.
It comes in either paint can or aerosol form. I opted for an aerosol can for easier application. Be sure to wear proper PPE while applying 28A.
The surfaces must be clean of oils and debris before application. I taped off the surfaces I didn’t want the product on.
Once applied the surface needs to air dry for about 6 hours, but the parts can also be cured in an oven. Unfortunately, Big Blue won’t fit in the oven… The only type of oven that should be used is an explosion proof commercial oven that is properly vented.
When cured, 28A can withstand loads not exceeding 100,000 psi and has a working temperature range of -320°f to 320°f. I think it’ll handle anything my shop can dish out!
Once I applied 28A to my lathe, pushing my 100 pound tailstock and banjo up and down the bed became an easy task.
There is just a little wear from the parts rubbing against each other, but the treated surfaces are still very slick!
I’ll be applying this great product to the height and angle adjustments on my Walker Turner 1180b table saw and to the sliding table on my Tannewitz model FDS table saw.
In addition to making surfaces slicker than an oil spill, 28A is a corrosion inhibitor that’s not affected by most solvents or degreasers! This means your surfaces won’t rust and that the coating won’t weaken if solvents or cleaners are used on it.
In short, I’ll be keeping this product in the shop for years to come! You can order directly from Sandstrom or Skygeek.com for about $40 per can.
Full Disclosure: This product was provided by Sandstrom for my unbiased use and review. If I wouldn’t buy or use this product I’d tell you. Rest assured, Sandstrom 28A is a great dry film lubricant that will make your machinery operate smoother than Cadillac driving on a cloud of marshmallow puff!
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