Best way to lubricate old wood foldable bench

[Tidybuoy]

I have a built in bench seat in the hallway of my old house. Originally, this was a place for the lady of the house to sit while she talks on the phone all day . The bench functions but needs to be lubed as it's difficult to unfold. I was thinking I could use wax but I'm inquiring with the brain trust to see if there are better ways. The bench has a portion that slides in a track - it's 100% wood (no modern metal track).

Thanks for any ideas.

[rwest]

I think wax is really your only option as any oils or grease will soak into the wood and make a mess.

[lindbhr]

I think wax or bar soap would work.

[Zeke]

↑↑↑ Definitely bees wax which can be melted and poured or used in a hobby needle. Double boiler. low electric or indirect heat gun. Adding or using candlewax if fine. And a little added boiled linseed oil works too.

Do mask below.

[Tidybuoy]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Do mask below.

Good reminder. I hate removing spilled wax

[A930Rocket]

Originally Posted by lindbhr

I think wax or bar soap would work.

I was thinking bar soap also

[herr_oberst]

Cool old phone. Is it hooked up?

[Tobra]

I rub paraffin on stuff like that.

[Tidybuoy]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

Cool old phone. Is it hooked up?

nope. Just for show these days.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Tobra

I rub paraffin on stuff like that.

This. 100%. I freed up many sticking, windows with 10 miles of paint and dirt on its tracks with paraffin wax if there's a way to rub some on the moving parts, it will glide like if it has metal rails. Well, almost. Learned this from an old timer. I still remember he said, kid use paraffin and charge them 30 bucks per window to free it jsut don't let 'em see you do it or they will never pay you. Funny old guy. I was 18, right out of high school looking to make a few bucks to eat.

[Tidybuoy]

It worked! I used paraffin wax as I saw that at the store. Unfortunately, I had to buy a pretty big box and was $12.99 - I used about .01%

[HobieMarty]

I use a beeswax and mineral oil paste that I make for restoring moisture to our cutting board and it works great for squeaks like a door rubbing in a door frame.

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[look 171]

Tidy,, I am glad it worked out for ya. Next time you need paraffin wax again, stop by your local market and pick up a small block. I had one hanging around the house that's 30 years old. I only was able to use it half a block. It was the size of a dollar bill when I bought it. So to use it all up so you can buy a smaller piece and save money

[jyl]

That’s pretty dang cool. Now I think you should upholster the seat!

[gregpark]

And put a phone book under the old rotary dial

[Baz]

That's pretty dang cool, Vern.

I love stuff like this!

I don't mean to derail your thread, but back in '06 I bought a bunch of new furniture which included this piece, which I was told is supposed to represent a chair to sit on while using the phone. Needs a cushion but otherwise kinda cool!

[Tidybuoy]

Originally Posted by jyl

That’s pretty dang cool. Now I think you should upholster the seat!

I'm working on that now. I just bought the material and now I just need to convince my mom to properly hem/edge it for me.