T-9 Boeshield not what it used to be? (2024)

I know green wood is a problem but I've had to steel wool the lathe beds three times in three days. And this is with them coated with the T-9. It's from walnut but it's not even super wet.

After trying many concoctions for this problem, none worked better for me than paste wax. Its not perfect, none were, but it was/is as good as any.

2nd what Jim says - dont let the wet chips lay on the bare steel very long. Dont have to squeaky clean, just push off the majority of them, and brush them all off for longer breaks and at the end of the day.

Like others have said, I use paste wax (as recommended a while ago by someone here). Minwax paste wax works great, as Johnson’s is not available anymore. If I’m going to turn a lot of green wood, I just wipe some on the bed beforehand and then hand buff it. If I’m turning something REALLY wet, I’ll put a couple of paper towels over the banjo and ways underneath the wood. Usually keep a green scotchbrite pad on hand to touch up during the turning marathon. End of the day I’ll do another quick rub with late wax, usually on the tool rest and bottom of the banjo too. Easy peasy.

T-9 Boeshield works just fine as a short-term lubricant for various tool table tops, like bandsaws, tablesaws, jointers. It's easy to apply and wipe down, but it needs to be applied frequently. I like it becaue it's easy to use and it works well while in the middle of any project when tops and the lathe bed gets a little "sticky". Then I turn mostly dry wood or wood that doesn't have a lot of moisture content. However, if there is a lot of moisture, especially if it will stay on the lathe for a couple of hours, I don't think Boeshield is the best choice. What others with more experience turning wet wood have said is probably a better choice.

"Mothers" paste wax is 100% carnauba. I use two coats with a buffer. I use it on my table saw and lathe bed. First, I clean both with denatured alcohol.

I have tried T9, but went back to my years old can of Johnsons paste wax. T9 works, but too costly for me. John Jordan always sprayed his lathe bed with WD 40. I have never done that, but he was an advocate of using WD 40.

My spray bottle of T-9 is years old. I still use it if it’s the closest within reach between it and the can of paste wax…I’m not sure either are better than the other, but frequent cleaning and use of either - particularly after turning green wood - will keep your ways and tops free of rust. I even substitute some Glide Coat once in a while…

I use the John Jordan method, daily application of WD40. It doesn’t take much, use the same bit of rag to wipe it down.

Paste wax has always worked well for me.

Have used Johnson’s wax but have been wondering if the new auto paint protection would also work? Has anyone tried the ceramic coatings?