Correct lube for mold hinges

[Kdog]

Recently I got an old used mold in excellent shape. The opening and closing is effortless and very, very smooth. This got me wondering as I only have 1 other mold that is really smooth. What does everyone use to lubricate their hinges on Do It molds. I've been using 3-1 oil and some old high temp die oil that we used to lubricate moving pins in die casting molds. I lube before and after every casting session.

Looking forward to your responses.

 

[Hawnjigs]

Good question. I've always used motor oil but noticed when I was pouring lead the hotter large castings molds could only take a certain amount of pours before the oil would smoke and scorch. I considered it a warning to let the mold rest & not continue to warp stage.

I put a drop or 2 into the pin holes AFTER every pour session since the heat facilitates capillary distribution.

 

[Fatman]

X2 with Hawn - I use a drop on each side after pouring, either WD-40 but lately Rem gun oil

 

[hookup]

I use whatever's on the shelf. Now I'm using oil made for pneumatic tools.

 

[Airstreamfield]

I use WD-40 too. My do it molds never have needed lube but my hilts get sticky occasionally. The only thing I would watch out for is WD-40 is flammable so I do it before I heat up my pot and start working. Not like it's likely to catch or anything I just like to be safe like that, it's bad enough I always walk away from my bench with small lead burns on my arms.

 

[hookup]

Sorry Airstream, the nerd in me's coming out

WD-40's not a lube, its a solvent.

Carry one.

 

[Kdog]

probably the best I've found thus far is jojoba oil. Not the personal lubricant kind but an industrial version. It has great properties and is environmentally safe.