Almond Oil For Wooden Flutes

The one loud concensus is not to use boiled linseed oil.

Almond oil for wooden flutes. Beyond that there were various suggestions to use almond oil raw linseed oil and olive oil. A wooden flute should be oiled to protect it from cracking and to improve the tone and repsonsiveness of the flute. Linseed oil is commonly used on wooden flutes. These oils are not harmful if used as often as every time you play as the residue is mopped out when you dry your flute.

Linseed oil is made from flax. It seems to have quite a similar composition of unsaturated oils to that of almond oil. I picked up some argan oil from a cooperative in morroco this summer with the possible intention of using it in place of almond oil to keep wooden flutes lubricated. The best repair shops in the world and artists trust a simple natural almond oil for their instruments.

I happen to be a chemist and an occasional woodworker though definitly not a hallowed flute make. Don t put oil on the cloth everytime. These are typically flutes where the maker has not applied a finish to the inside of the flute. Some time ago i inquired amongst several people as to the best oil for my flute.

If you use it be very careful to use raw linseed oil not boiled. Natural unscented. Cotton wool buds q tips are excellent for cleaning embouchure and tone holes. The residue left on your flute after oiling isn t toxic and it s safe to use.

There is some controversy as to what kind of oil is best. For flutes where the bore is oiled the trick is finding the right oil. Almond oil is by far the most frequently used although i know of players who use walnut oil people with nut allergies beware and even olive oil smells a bit. Boiled linseed oil will gum up the bore of your flute and may permanently ruin its tone.

This is so the flute doesn t go dry because your tone won t be so great if it does. Some like almond oil which must be applied with great frequency others like cold pressed raw linseed oil which is applied sparingly and much less often. About wooden flute care. It is also good to remove any built up cork grease from tenons and sockets occasionally.

Another flute player peter heinlein recommends buying cosmetic grade almond oil rather than food grade which tends to oxidize faster and may gum up the bore of the flute. Other bore oils on the market can contain petroleum distillates and or dyes none of which is necessary nor desired for oiling the wood of your premium instrument. When not in use disassemble the flute to take pressure off the tenon s. It is generally recommended that wooden flutes be played in gently when new.

Argan oil for wooden flute. A wooden flute can be cleaned externally using almond oil and then wiping it dry. Some flutes are designed to have oil applied to the bore at regular intervals. Almond oil is best p get a cloth and put some oil on it and clean the inside of the flute with it maybe a small bit on the outside to.