Bar oil/friendliness

My only experience with non-petroleum oil for bar and chain lube was a few years back with another company, I think it was canola oil. In normal temperatures it seemed fine, but the minute the temp dropped it would begin to solidify to the point it would hardly pour out of the jug, and in the summer it would become so thin and runny it ran though the saw faster and just flew off the bar and chain, in theory at least providing worse lubrication than traditional bar oil.

I certainly like the idea of using some form of bio-oil, especially in climbing saws where you are probably more likely to get spray on yourself. Has anyone used some of the commercial bio oils? I see Stihl has one they call BioPlus, and there are plenty of others.
 
27RMT0N said:
.... I think it was canola oil. In normal temperatures it seemed fine, but the minute the temp dropped it would begin to solidify to the point it would hardly pour out of the jug, ...
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I've used canola down to about 10* F and never had that problem...
 
Yah, I didn't really get it either. And I'm in the NW near sea-level, it wasn't even close to 10f... maybe low 30s? It was a few years back, I don't recall all the details but I remember when it was "cold" out we had to go back to petro-oil.
 
I haven't noticed any difference. I've used Kroger brand (usual), Meijer brand and Wesson...probably others. Just make sure it is 100% canola, not a blended oil.
 
I have used stihl bioplus often. I work around lots of bodies of water in the lakes region. Performed just like standard bar and chain oil. Expensive though.
 
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Saws don't stay at atmospheric temps.
I can imagine canola being much less viscous by the time it reaches the bar.
Some people blend petro and canola. Might help in hot weather.

I bought petro for milling. Canola up to 36" for tree work.
 
southsoundtree said:
Saws don't stay at atmospheric temps.
I can imagine canola being much less viscous by the time it reaches the bar.
Some people blend petro and canola. Might help in hot weather.

I bought petro for milling. Canola up to 36" for tree work.
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Just started trying out canola. No issues with 14” and 18” bars with running dry. Mixing 50/50 with Husq all season petro in a 440 with 25” bar cutting firewood the oil ran out faster than fuel yesterday. Outdoor temp was about 74 deg.
 
27RMT0N said:
My only experience with non-petroleum oil for bar and chain lube was a few years back with another company, I think it was canola oil. In normal temperatures it seemed fine, but the minute the temp dropped it would begin to solidify to the point it would hardly pour out of the jug, and in the summer it would become so thin and runny it ran though the saw faster and just flew off the bar and chain, in theory at least providing worse lubrication than traditional bar oil.

I certainly like the idea of using some form of bio-oil, especially in climbing saws where you are probably more likely to get spray on yourself. Has anyone used some of the commercial bio oils? I see Stihl has one they call BioPlus, and there are plenty of others.
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Ive used the Stihl green jug bio oil for many years now... It can build up on the sprocket (the female part of the clutch). Seriously though I've never had much of a issue with it at all. I had to pour out a gob from the oil tank of one saw once... That would be my only issues for 5+ years, maybe a smidge more bar wear but that's a maybe...
 
I have been using canola for 18 months with no problem. I started adding Lucas stop leak to keep it from leaking out of my oilers, which only happens on two saws. Works beautifully. I have been wondering if it's bad, but have seen some good tests that seem to indicate that it should be fine. Glad to hear out the discussion here. Thanks guys. Stop leak at about 2% of total mix. Haha; just realized that's 50:1 as well.
 
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When
Matias said:
I would have never guessed
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When I was coming up many of the old timers I worked with ran old diesel oil in their saws.. Also knew an old fella who swore by rubbing a little WD40 on his major joints (hips, knees, shoulders, elbows, etc) in the morning. He swore it kept him young, limber, and virile. SOB climbed well into his 70’s and lived to be 98, so who am I to argue?
 
I don't actually know what I use. There is an oil company about 30 miles from me who recommended something many years ago. I have been using it since. Works great and is tacky so it doesn't fly off the bar. Sort of a pinkish milky color. They sell it to me bulk in whatever container I bring in. Never asked them what it is called. Next time I make the trip in I will try to remember to ask what it is. I just have always walked in with my jugs and said, I need some bar oil.
If I have to get some from a store, I like Husky's thick and gooey summer weight oil in the white jug. Getting hard to find though. Everybody wants to sell that crap they have now in the orange jugs marked as all weather. Total crap as far as I am concerned.
 
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southsoundtree said:
I still roll with canola oil. 15 years or so.

I'm going to look into a drum from a restaurant supply. Should be easy enough to get, just have been getting gallons or 1.5 packs, so far.
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I went to Gordon Food Service to buy it in bulk...it has additives in it. Here is a thread where I asked about that - I'm still buying regular jugs at the grocery store. It's a little cheaper at Costco (2) 3qt jugs
 
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