[badfish]

Just wondering, from the time you oil your chips to the time you can play with them is?

[VARoadstter]

If you don't overdo it then you could use them right away. It takes a pretty considerable amount of time to oil a set of chips properly so you probably want to do it at least a day before you use them just so you won't be sick of messing with them.

Before first use after oiling, wipe each chip with a paper towel to pick up any excess mineral oil.

[tomb1]

I assume you are talking about real clay chips, since these are the only ones that need oiling.

I oil my chips in batches of about 20-30, then wipe them well and put them away. I probably should let them sit for a while, but I'm too impatient. So they probably sit for 5 minutes total. I wipe the inlays hard to get any slickness off, but just lightly wipe the clay part.

Good suggestion to wipe them (or just rub them with your fingers) before first use.

[dad604]

Should be OK to play game if oil does not get on players finger.

[PocketRocket]

May I ask why you think you need to oil your chips to begin with?

The oiling process is generally something done by chip collectors to enhance chip appearance. In actual usage, there is no reason why you would have to oil your chips prior to usage.

Originally Posted by badfish

Just wondering, from the time you oil your chips to the time you can play with them is?

[Kalimba]

Originally Posted by PocketRocket

May I ask why you think you need to oil your chips to begin with?

Probably for the "WOW!" factor. Just like waxing a new car right after you buy it. Sure it'll drive just the same without the wax, but, man, does it look nice with the wax!

[PocketRocket]

Actually the waxing on a car is also to reduce air resistance and can result in a 2-3% difference in fuel economy as well. That is in addition to it's original purpose of warding off corrosion and protecting the paint from accelerated fading.

The oiling of compressed clay chips is often used to enhance their appearance for photographic purposes, but there is no reason to oil them before using them for their intended purpose. Generally chips will go from the box to the cage to the table in a casino. There's no stop along the way for a lube job.

Originally Posted by Kalimba

Probably for the "WOW!" factor. Just like waxing a new car right after you buy it. Sure it'll drive just the same without the wax, but, man, does it look nice with the wax!

[Kalimba]

Originally Posted by PocketRocket

The oiling of compressed clay chips is often used to enhance their appearance for photographic purposes, but there is no reason to oil them before using them for their intended purpose.

By that argument, there's no need to even have clay chips for a home game in the first place. Why spend the money on real clay chips when the local drugstore has el cheapo plastic Bicycle chips. Or how about just using nickels, dimes and quarters?

His chips + his mineral oil + his time = more power to him. I fail to see why questioning his motives is so important, especially when many other members here have done (and will continue to do) the exact same thing with their own clay chips.

[PocketRocket]

I could care less about his motives but having gone through the process of oiling 700 chips once before on some misguided tip that it would remove production blemishes, I can attest that it takes a long time and it will end up being a long time wasted. The chips can be used as is, there is absolutely no need to oil them that is the point. There's no need to introduce the diatribe about plastic chips or whatever, clay chips are intended to be used right out of the box. Don't know where all this oiling stuff is coming from and why so many people think that it is a preparation step prior to using the chips. If you want to get other people to oil your chips for you, serve chicken wings.

Originally Posted by Kalimba

By that argument, there's no need to even have clay chips for a home game in the first place. Why spend the money on real clay chips when the local drugstore has el cheapo plastic Bicycle chips. Or how about just using nickels, dimes and quarters?

His chips + his mineral oil + his time = more power to him. I fail to see why questioning his motives is so important, especially when many other members here have done (and will continue to do) the exact same thing with their own clay chips.

[JoshuaMayes]

Oiled chips look nicer. They acquire the nice deep color they get from oiling after a while of usage, too, but straight out of the box, clay chips look "dusty" if you don't oil them.