I've begun to use a Husqvarna electric chainsaw and am wondering what others use for bar lubricant. Are there alternatives to the pinkinsh-red bar oil sold everywhere that are more appropriate for timberframing. Specifically are there choices that are non staining or at least less noticeable on the finished beam? Thanks

Steve

I just got a really good suggestion to use canola oil when using a Prazi beam saw, which is basically an electric chainsaw.

However, I don't know if your Husky has an automatic oiler (probably) and how that would would work with a thinner oil like canola.

A more controllable option might be to keep a small squeeze bottle with you and give it a quick shot before every cut.

-srj

A German sawyer lovingly addresses the monster blade on his bandsaw with a rag slightly dipped in good old vegetable oil from the grocery.
When I last viewed the blade a few months ago I was amazed to learn it was 11 years old and still looks new. Almost never stain too.

you might try some of the vegetable based oils like http://www.lubegard.com/industrial/chainsaw.html. . They MAY not stain as badly. I use canola oil straight up on the bronze bushings on the water powered sawmill I run, because I didn't like the idea of the petroleum based lube going down the stream.
However I use Kero on the blade when I see some pitch building up. While it stains the wood when new, I don't remember seeing as a stain/streaks on the air dried wood.

Bob

I've been using cheap vegetable oil in my makita electric chainsaw ever since I got it. Works fine, I always just choose the "on sale" oil at the grocery store..... I also use the same oil for our chain morticer.