Hi - Obsidian oil works great on stems but is pricey IMO. Has anyone tried mineral oil as a substitute?
Obsidian vs Mineral Oil on Stems
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Yes. I just use a drop or two of butcher block conditioner, which is just food grade mineral oil & bees wax. Works great & it's cheap.
OK that seems like a great idea! I actually have some of that around the shop somewhere. Thanks!
Been using food grade mineral oil for years with no ill effects. I reapply after every smoke before putting the pipe back on the rack. I have a dedicated cloth that is basically infused with oil, so I don't have to replenish the oil very often.
I will only use Obidisian on my stems. I have been using it for years and my stems never oxidize. I won't use anything else on my stems as the Obidisian works great and I have no desire to try anything else.
^^^ Agree. The below is what I use w/great success. You can also use what others have stated above, and I’m sure that you’ll have similar results.
I use this obsidian oil on regular basis,my regime is like after smoking I'd apply it on my vulcanite stems before placing them back on the stand ,decidedly helps to prevent or retard oxidation ,
There's plenty of it in the kitchen cupboard
Does it not go rancid, like olive oil ?
Obsidian oil is quite expensive and what is it actually made of ?
When it comes to protecting our stems from UVA damage vitamine E does a good job too .
It can be obtained in capsules.
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Canola oil contains high doses Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant.
Obsidian oil is made and sold by member @hauntedmyst. The exact formula is a trade secret but he has said that it's made of food grade materials, does not contain mineral oil and does contain a UV protectant. I use it and like it. I apply it with a pipe cleaner and a little goes a long way. I use it after every smoke and I've still 2/3rds of a bottle left after over 2 years.There's plenty of it in the kitchen cupboard
Does it not go rancid, like olive oil ?
Obsidian oil is quite expensive and what is it actually made of ?
When it comes to protecting our stems from UVA damage vitamine E does a good job too .
It can be obtained in capsules.
I just wipe my stems with jewelry polish cloth. Works fine with vulcanite stems.
I use both. But food grade mineral oil is a hell of a lot cheaper.
I just recently purchased a bottle of Obsidian oil and used it for the first time this weekend on some fairly oxidized stems. Made a huge difference right off the bat - without going through any process of getting rid of whatever oxidation was there. I thought of trying mineral oil mostly because I thought it was essentially the same thing but now after reading this post know otherwise.
clean your stem with acetone to dissolve and remove the sulphur, then when it's dry apply an even coat of pensbury manor pen potion #9.
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