Lanolin
Mar 11th, 2013,
This is a handy material to have in the shop.
It can be used for many things. Great for a thin film over a mandrel, the surface of the brass where being worked, all the slides (if they get stiff, a little heat loosens them in seconds).
The use of lanolin goes back to the beginnings of all metal work. They used to coat armor and weapons with it. It's one lube that can do no harm to brass and is completely natural. In fact, be used to protect hands. It protects all the instruments without the use of gloves, and it protects the hands.