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How to lubricate/grease/oil these machines
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jboger
- Victor IV
- Posts: 1230
- Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2014 10:12 pm
How to lubricate/grease/oil these machines
I did a search through this forum for how to lubricate the motors of talking machines: too many hits and all seemed to be about how to remove old grease. So I'd like to ask what is or are the best lubricants to use for the various parts of a talking machine motor. I have a VV-50 and a VV-VIB that I am currently working on. What's recommended for the mainspring? How about the worm gear on the spindle? And also the pivots on the governor? Same oil, or different oils? thanks in advance for any help. By the way, I noticed on the victor labels glued to the underside of the motorboard that instructions are given what to oil. The recommended oil is itself a Victor product, so don't know what that is.
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Victrolacollector
- Victor V
- Posts: 2711
- Joined: Fri Nov 18, 2011 11:23 pm
- Location: NW Indiana VV-IV;
Re: How to lubricate/grease/oil these machines
There have been discussions on greasing and lubricating motors.
It all depends on the make of the motor. Some motors (non-Victor) used a fiber gear on the governor drive gear (the one on the spindle that engages with the governor worm gear). You should not place any oil or grease on this gear. The gear can wear out soon or be damaged from lubricants.
Also, I use use good old moly grease on my mainsprings, if they have been replaced or look dry, just place some into the center coils pack it in and replace the cover. With Edison's you should be able to remove the cap on the barrel and inject grease into the barrel. The original Edison formula for mainspring grease consisted of vaseline and graphite.
On the gears, I use a good quality sewing machine oil (singer). I make sure the pivots and bearings are lubricated with this oil.
I know that there may be others that may disagree, but it is how I do it. Depending on how much you play your machine, I would re-oil the motor every 4-6 months. Just dont over do the oil...it can mess up the cabinet.
It all depends on the make of the motor. Some motors (non-Victor) used a fiber gear on the governor drive gear (the one on the spindle that engages with the governor worm gear). You should not place any oil or grease on this gear. The gear can wear out soon or be damaged from lubricants.
Also, I use use good old moly grease on my mainsprings, if they have been replaced or look dry, just place some into the center coils pack it in and replace the cover. With Edison's you should be able to remove the cap on the barrel and inject grease into the barrel. The original Edison formula for mainspring grease consisted of vaseline and graphite.
On the gears, I use a good quality sewing machine oil (singer). I make sure the pivots and bearings are lubricated with this oil.
I know that there may be others that may disagree, but it is how I do it. Depending on how much you play your machine, I would re-oil the motor every 4-6 months. Just dont over do the oil...it can mess up the cabinet.