[QUOTE=Worth1;561125]For people on a budget or folks that just want to know or save money there are some options out there that aren't very well advertised.

Lets start with mineral oil.
What is mineral oil yes it is me again talking about the stuff and how much I use it.:lol:
Go to wall-mart tractor supply or any oil distributor and get hydraulic oil.
NOT Hydraulic transmission oil.
Look for an ISO rating like ISO 32 ISO 46 or ISO 68.
The higher the number the thicker it is.
What is it?
Mineral oil, the same stuff used to preserve cutting boards to hone knives with and so on.
Is it food grade no but I can guarantee you it is safe and has little to no taste.
You can get 5 gallons of the stuff at tractor supply for around $30 some odd dollars.
At the same place a gallon is $20 some odd dollars.
Turbine oil is the same thing.
Power steering fluid same thing.
Heat it up and mix your bees wax with it.
The same stuff sold at the store is close to $9 for 12 ounces.:lol:
Amazing what labeling can to to a price.

Worth[/QUOTE]

It really is amazing how many things mineral oil is used for. One example is how to get a bug out of your ear. [URL]http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid/basics/art-20056709[/URL]

Or in a Lava Lamp - [URL]http://www.isciencetimes.com/articles/5989/20130903/lava-lamps-turn-50-learn-make-groovy.htm[/URL]

And that's besides the health uses, and others that would bore you to sleep [URL]http://www.wisebread.com/30-unexpected-uses-for-mineral-oil[/URL]

[QUOTE=AlittleSalt;561251]It really is amazing how many things mineral oil is used for. One example is how to get a bug out of your ear. [URL]http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid/basics/art-20056709[/URL]

Or in a Lava Lamp - [URL]http://www.isciencetimes.com/articles/5989/20130903/lava-lamps-turn-50-learn-make-groovy.htm[/URL]

And that's besides the health uses, and others that would bore you to sleep [URL]http://www.wisebread.com/30-unexpected-uses-for-mineral-oil[/URL][/QUOTE]

I love mineral oil, kerosene/coal oil and lard.
With these items I can do just about anything.
From frying up chicken and fish to use as cutting lubricant.:lol:
Worth

[QUOTE=Cole_Robbie;561123]I'm using treated 2x4s ripped into 2x2s for most of my trellising and fence posts. I sharpen one end and drive it with a sledge hammer.[/QUOTE]

Wouldn't you need to treat the exposed area where you ripped the 2x4's?

That would probably be optimal. But I think I will still get a few years out of it, regardless. Any wood driven into the ground is going to have a limited life span.

The stuff is pressure treated meaning it is treated through and through.
I normally let it dry out for some time before I stain or paint it as per instructions.

Worth

I've noticed the boards on the top of the pallet at Lowes weigh next to nothing. One board deep, and they weigh several times as much.

[QUOTE=Cole_Robbie;562349]I've noticed the boards on the top of the pallet at Lowes weigh next to nothing. One board deep, and they weigh several times as much.[/QUOTE]

Pick up a wet sheet of the treated 3/4X4X8 sheet of plywood.:shock:
That treated 4X6X8 beam with a 2X8 screwed to it I raised above my head to make the gantry was darn heavy.:lol:

Worth

Worth,

Are you suggesting to use the mineral oil on untreated lumber instead of buying treated lumber? I guess just brush it on? Could it be applied to treated lumber to make it last even longer?

[QUOTE=creister;563143]Worth,

Are you suggesting to use the mineral oil on untreated lumber instead of buying treated lumber? I guess just brush it on?[/QUOTE]


Not really as the treated stuff would be better and it dries.
Mineral oil wont but if it completely soaks the wood no water will get in.
But in a pinch it would help preserve it.
I use it on my cutting boards.
Worth