Yes, it’s weird that I have put so much effort into making a custom rag. Yes, you could take an old gym sock or T-shirt, soak it in oil and get a similar result. But also yes: I would buy this custom rag if I didn’t already own one.
The Crucible Microfiber Super Woobie is our favorite (by far) microfiber towel – one that I have been using since 2011. We’ve embroidered it with “Don’t Despair: Nothing Without Labour,” plus a friendly bee.
I have been using this oil-soaked towel every day for 11 years to wipe down my tools before putting them away. It is a ritual that I look forward to because I know it works. Even though we live in the humid Ohio River Valley, I have zero corrosion on my steel tools. This towel holds a lot of oil, it dispenses it in a nice amount and it resists dirt. I’ve never had to launder my woobie.
To make these woobies special, we had a Covington, Ky., embroidery shop add “Don’t Despair: Nothing Without Labour” to the towel. The expression is one that shows up in literature in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. And is one we agree with.
We also added a bee. Bees have long been the symbol of industrious working people, especially woodworkers. The Super Woobies are $23 and are available for immediate shipment.
Back in Stock
Our machine shop has been working weekends to keep up with tool production. We are still behind on our Lump Hammers, though they should be back in stock later this week. We now have a good stock of Crucible Sliding Bevels. So if you have been waiting for one, act now.
And, finally, we finally have lots of Lost Art Press woodworking pencils in stock. These USA-made pencils have been a strong seller. They are outstanding for woodworking because they are thicker than typical pencils and have a lead that marks well on wood. And they come in a nice box (also made in the USA).
— Christopher Schwarz
What kind of oil do you use?
I use a non-drying vegetable oil, such as camellia or jojoba.
What kind of oil do you use on your woombie?
I use a non-drying vegetable oil, such as camellia or jojoba.
Ordered! Time for a woobie upgrade!
And just out of curiosity: is there any particular reason you went with “Don’t Despair” this time, rather than the “Never Despair” that’s on that Bittner, Hunsicker & Co. billhead that went on i.a. one of last year’s bandannas?
Cheers,
Mattias
Hi Mattias,
I knew you would be the one to pick up on this. It started as a mistake on my part when I designed the logo (I like alliteration). Megan caught the error before we started production, but I decided to keep it as “Don’t Despair” (I like alliteration).
How do you store this in the shop? Hang it on a hook? Keep it in a bag with a little oil? Yeah, I like to overthink things.
Mine hangs on my bench light
Missed them by a day!
When do you expect to have more Woobies in stock?
In a couple weeks. They are embroidering them now!
If I send them some stuff, will they embroider it for me?
I’m afraid to ask? An action thong?
I prefer my unmentionables to be of the lacy variety. They me feel pretty.
I doubt lace holds oil very well.
“Launder my woobie”…why does that sound like a 90s grunge band/album to me?
For the next addition to the microfiber towel inscription; “no balls no babies.”