Thread: Use of Tea Oil (Camellia Oil)

Malcom, I sometimes use straight Camelia oil on cast tops or more frequently Mineral oil.

As to where to get it, either a Chinese/Asian food shop or on line from New Directions, whom are a cosmetics ingredient supplier.

Camellia oil is mostly oleic acid, olive oil is too. No point in spending for Camellia when olive is less expensive and easily available.

Lanolin based products are far superior in my view. Camelia oil tends to go sticky in my experience.

Forgive me if I get any of this wrong, for I looked into this quite some time ago.

Going from memory, what I seem to recall was that the Camelia Oil used for food purposes was not the same as would be used to protect tool steel - there was some additive in the food grade stuff that made it not so great on tool steel. I also seem to recall the major attraction of this product was that it was safe to use on woodworking tools, insofar as it would leave no residue behind if a small amount got onto your actual woodwork.

On that basis, I was "sold" on the stuff, and subsequently bought this: https://www.carbatec.com.au/handtool...l-240mm-bottle

I have used this on all manner of tools, including gardening ones, and found that it works very well to prevent rust on them. Simply spray a very small amount on a paper towel, and wipe down the equipment with it. I expect the bottle to last for many many years, you hardly need any at all and you can easily see where you've applied it and where you haven't.

You can have my bottle. Lanolin for me.

Hi Enfield Guy, which lanolin product do you use?