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Re: almond oil as bore oil

Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2006-03-30 13:36

(Disclaimer- I sell plant derived oil for wood and applicators)
As mentioned there have been many long discussions - check the past history in threads - about whether to oil or not oil and what type of oil to use.

A general rule of thumb is that if the bore oil that you use is clear and colorless it is probably petroleum based mineral oil. The famous manufacturers, although they sell this mineral oil as bore oil, do not use mineral oil in the manufacture of instruments. My experience and testing indicates that petroleum based products should not be used on wood for the long term. You instrument was originally impregnated with a plant derived oil formulation at the factory and that is what I believe you should try to duplicate for subsequent oiling. The factory plant derived oil was not almond oil or walnut oil. I have verified the oil formulation used by several major manufacturers, but with the understanding that I will not publish it. My oil formulation is also proprietary.

If you use almond oil you should be aware that it is very prone to autoxidation and turns rancid easily. Vitamin E is a good antioxidant in animal fat systems but a rather poor antioxidant in plant derived oils. There are classes of very powerful plant oil antioxidants that should be used. My own quality control testing indicates that with the use of proper antioxidants that plant derived oil mixtures (and mixtures must also include a suitable emulsifier to keep the oils in solution) will remain stable and not turn rancid over a long period of time (my history is 7 years). My antioxidant mixture is also proprietary. To debunk another old legend -- the proper plant derived oil mixture will penetrate and be readily absorbed by Grenadilla wood - proven by experimentation.

My recommendation is to apply a thin coat of oil - if you oil - and let it stand overnight to be absorbed. If there is oil on the surface of the wood after the overnight period it should be removed with a clean swab and you are done. If all of the oil is absorbed the process is repeated until oil remains on the wood surface. Each piece of wood is different in its oil retention and loss characteristics and you should monitor each section of you clarinet to note drying out - usually indicated by a dull gray color rather than shiny black.
L. Omar Henderson
The Doctor's Products
www.doctorsprod.com

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almond oil as bore oil new

chazman

2006-03-30 10:59