Wet/dry metal sanding using light oi?

[Gooddaytoya!]

Or cutting oil? In my Draw File Question post, Phil mentioned that using water with wet/dry sandpaper would work better than dry paper. I believe that. So,. *I wonder whether light oil or de-odorized lamp oil would work better, using good liquid flow to wash out debris?*. The idea springs from the fact that oil promotes metal cutting better than water does. Once I was threading pipes, ran out of oil, and tried substituting water - to find that while cutting, the threads partially broke off the pipes (not a good idea anyway, the impetuous youth that I was, over 50 years ago.). Thx guys.

 

[Phil Coffins]

I’ve used kerosene with wed or dry with good results. It didn’t cut any better but was less likely to dry out in the very dry environment where I was. Also it makes you hands smell.

 

[wiscoaster]

I just use 3-in-one household oil. I've used other oils, including cutting oil, and haven't noticed any difference. So might as well use the cheap stuff. I suppose you could use almost anything that provides lubrication and picks up the metal dust. Water alone is better than nothing, though I can't visualize it as better than oil. I have on occasion used spit when oil wasn't handy and I was in a hurry.

 

[Gooddaytoya!]

I’ve used kerosene with wed or dry with good results. It didn’t cut any better but was less likely to dry out in the very dry environment where I was. Also it makes you hands smell.

Thanks, Phil. As you suggest it seems to be a matter of flowing the debris out from under the paper, plus maybe superior cutting with oil. Kerosene does stink. But there is a kerosene-like lamp oil, I just can't think of it's name. I've seen "deodorized kerosene" for lamps. Hmm...I wonder if automatic transmission fluid would also work, since my shop has some half bottles of it. I'll try them all.

 

[RobertE]

I use good old spit quite frequently sanding metal. Small scrap of paper, a little spit, and go to town. Maybe not a barrel, but a trigger guard or ramrod pipes I prefer it. Cleans up easy too with a quick wipe. Cheap oil like 3 in 1 also works, but messier.
I’ve always thought of wet sanding with water as more for paint or finishes.

 

[IanH]

ATF is about 5-7 weight and contains dispersants and detergents. I find it just about perfect for wet-sanding metal.

 

[Flintandsteel]

Why would you need to wet sand a barrel? Definitely NOT with any oil.
Way more complicated that necessary.
Now, if you’re gonna brown or blue a barrel, you gotta get all that oil out of every crack or crevice.
Draw filing is ALL that is necessary.

 

[wiscoaster]

....you gotta get all that oil out of every crack or crevice.

Acetone --- easier done than said.