This seems like it could greatly reduce the expence of some post replacements and fencing projects i ve been putting off but i am worries about weather the oil would do any damage to the water table or.
Treating fence posts with oil.
But i ve known some old timers who would make fence posts outa the type of small round wood you get when someone clears land by soaking them in a barrel of used motor oil for a month or two.
Allow fence posts to cure for 12 months before treating.
As for cancerous effects on animals one pah in particular has proven to be a leading culprit.
The story of an old time texas homesteader who makes his own treated fence posts from cleared wood and used motor oil.
As much as 22 ppm.
This process is called seasoning and it allows the wood to dry out so that splits and checks open in the wood.
Diy treating a fence post the old way.
This particular hydrocarbon can be found in significant amounts in that motor oil that is used to treat posts.
Wood oils not only keep garden fences looking better for longer they also nourish and feed the wood to keep it supple and water resistant.
Motor oil is used as a wood preservative for fence posts.
Using a fence oil is a great way to protect and preserve fence panels and posts from the elements and weathering.
They have stoves that will burn used motor oil in a lot of the garages.
If the posts are still green they need to dry out before being treated with oil.
By bob and sue buckner september october 1974.
No treating fence posts with oil.
Fill in the hole around the fence post with more 1 4 minus gravel packed tight against the sides of the post.
Untreated wooden fence posts are susceptible to water damage.
Water damage makes the wood vulnerable to termites.
In short i would definitely say that treating fence posts with motor oil is rather dangerous.
They are also used in smokers farmers use in fields.
Set the post in the hole while holding a level on the side to check for plumb.
Termite infestations quickly cut channels into the wood reducing it to powder and leaving only the severely weakened cellulose stalks in the wood.