What is Tung Oil

[Christos]

Here is a question about Tung Oil. I already know what it is and for what it used for but that's about it.

I want to know if this tree is grown in Australia? Do people mix Tung Oil with other Oils? Do people use pre-mixed oils that have Tung Oil.

[Claw Hama]

Hi Christos, I don't know if the tree grows in Australia, but you can mix it with other oils etc. I use it when I make my home brew Danish oil along with boiled linseed etc. Someone like Neil could tell you more but it is a mixer.

[Big Shed]

All you want to know about Tung Oil or China Wood Oil (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tung_oil)

Some more info from this guy:

http://www.woodturner-russ.com/FSOriginal6.html

[Christos]

Thank you for the info so far. I have read part of this in the past. I am still interested to find out what people know and do on the other questions.

[rustyreks]

Heres a link regarding the tung oil comes from a tree in china i remember speaking to a restorer of old furniture it was one of his favorite oils for timber i remember him saying once it drys it sets really hard and polishs well certainly would be worth a try brentnz

http://waynesword.palomar.edu/tungoil1.htm

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

Here is a question about Tung Oil. I already know what it is and for what it used for but that's about it.

I want to know if this tree is grown in Australia? Do people mix Tung Oil with other Oils? Do people use pre-mixed oils that have Tung Oil.

Big Shed's link provides a wealth of info! (Usually I want to argue with such links, but that 'un has it pretty well right. Well... in my books, anyway. :-)

As for mixing... yes. I use a pure 100% Tung Oil by preference, especially for a the first (flood) coat to get penetration. But it's expensive and takes a long time to dry.

After the first coat, I like to mix mine 50:50 with BLO for the second coat to provide a flat surface, then equal mixes of Tung:BLO:PolyU to build up subsequent layers.

Well... that's a white lie. That's what I like to do when a mirror finish "really matters." Since I found Rustin's DO I tend to just that for everything.

In all honesty I'm pretty sure that my original method gives a better finish... it just takes some six or seven times as long and no-one is willing to pay for the difference! :C

ie. pre-mixed oils are quicker & easier to apply. But 100% Tung (and knowledgeable home-brewed mixes) WILL give you a better finish if you have the time & inclination to persevere with it.

[ajw]

Where do you buy 100% tung oil? I used to have a local hardware shop that stocked it, but they are no longer in business. Can'f find it in any of the other hardware or paint shops near me.

ajw

[Manuka Jock]

Check out this product

<TABLE style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" id=table1 border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>Pure Tung Oil http://www.natural-oils.co.nz/graphic.php?seqnb=2&class=R&id=Tung Oil (http://www.natural-oils.co.nz/catalogue/product.php?id=Tung Oil)</TD><TD width="100%" align=middle>http://www.natural-oils.co.nz/no_img/more_info.gif (http://www.natural-oils.co.nz/catalogue/product.php?id=Tung Oil) Pure Chinese tung oil is a natural, hard setting oil which has been used as a base ingredient for oils and varnishes for centuries. Suitable for sealing interior timber flooring or furniture, as well as adobe or concrete floors.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

http://www.natural-oils.co.nz/catalogue/brand.php?page=1&id=Natural Oils Ltd

[rustyreks]

heres another stockists round Australia

http://www.howardproducts.com.au/stockists.htm

rustyreks

[Wizened of Oz]

I've got my Tung oil here:
www.woodturningsupplies.com.au/

[Wongdai]

I thought it was spelled "tongue" oil, and was derived from the tongues of old used car and encyclopedia salesmen.

:)

[Tex B]

I thought it was spelled "tongue" oil, and was derived from the tongues of old used car and encyclopedia salesmen.

You're confusing it with snake oil :wink:. Snake oil (SO) is very bad for finishing: starts out really smooth and shiny but quickly turns bad. I tried some 100% pure SO on a mahogany huntboard, next day it was a pine shoebox :((.

Frankly, I'm amazed that SO still gets spread around so liberally, though it seems to be particularly concentrated during elections (when it's known as Boiled Snake Oil). That stuff (BSO) can burn through timber in no time...

Tex

[jaywit]

How right you are.

[Christos]

Just wanted to say thank you for the responces.

[munruben]

Came in a bit late on this but just for the record, I use Tung oil straight out of the can, don't mix it with anything else. Great stuff. I think Bunnings stock it too.

[rightendup]

Found this in the wikapedia link;
http://www.popularwoodworking.com/features/finish2.html

[Christos]

That is a very good read.

Thank you