Oiling the wooden steering wheels

[Hammerhead]

How often do you guys put Linseed Oil on your wooden steering wheels?


BTW, under the heading of "what's this world coming to?", I went to the local hardware store to get the Liseed oil and the first two clerks I spoke to had no idea what it was! It took the manager to direct me where it was at. Heck, when I was young any clerk in a hardware store worth his salt knew what Linseed oil was!!

[Chris_M]

I have a wooden steering wheel as well, but I don't oil it. It's painted olive drab.

Regards,

Chris

[arthur.m]

Never had the pleasure of possessing a wooden steering wheel, but I have some experience with Linseed oil. We live in an historical building with most surfaces painted with paints based on linseed oil. The craftsman who restored our front door said it would benefit from an annual wipe with a linseed oil rag. So maybe once a year? But the most important thing to remember is that Linseed oil is SELF-IGNITING. Burn the used rag or dispose of otherwise with great care. I've seen one dust bin starting to burn in one work shop because somebody threw a rag in it.

Arthur

[Cat Man]

When I rebuilt my wood wheel, I applied several coats of linseed oil and then sealed it with two coats of marine grade Spar varnish.

The truck is stored inside but gets wet at shows when it rains. No problem after three seasons.

I do apply linseed oil to tool handles at least once a year. More if they are exposed to the sun for many days.

That caution about the fire danger is very true! I have seen it twice in my life. Once were a friends business located in a historic old building burned and it was determined that the inexperianced painters were using linseed oil, left open over a weekend.

A second time when I stepped out of the garage for a moment and my wife picked up some rags I was still using and put them in a black trash bag with plants and weeds she had pulled from the flower beds. Black bag in hot sun + organic material + Linseed oil on rags = flames up the side of the garage in less than an hour. (got the hose on it in time and there was only minor damage!) Big lesson.

Even though they they were painted OD originally, I just had to keep that steering wheel in natural wood. They look just great.

CAT MAN

[Hammerhead]

Thank you all for the replies. Also thanks about the warning about the self-igniting nature of the Linseed Oil. I had completely forgotten that since it's been years since I've used it!!

I'll definitely consider the varnish over the Linseed Oil to seal it. I agree the steering wheels look great left in their natural color and not painted.
Thanks again for the replies.