Still haven't figured out what kind of lube they are using during the spinning?
Wes
Wes:
The lubes seem to be pretty much an experiment in alchemy. The local spinner here uses a concoction of wheel bearing grease (ball bearing), shaved soap chips (Ivory soap), and enough linseed oil to thin it to the desired consistency.
Terry Tynan sells a wax based lube that he prefers at the Metal Spinning Workshop Forum: Scroll down the page to find the lube.
http://www.metalspinningworkshop.com/Other_Items.htmlI have heard and read where old time spinners used sheep tallow for lube, but that is impossible to find anymore. Whatever lube you end up with it should be used sparingly as it will sling off and since you are working in close proximity to the work, you will end up wearing it.
The one constant I have found in metal spinning is that there are no constants. What works for one shop, may not work at all in another shop. Since the trade seems to have been passed from generation to generation, techniques and materials seem to be as much a matter of personal preference as anything.