The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi all,

After cleaning out and re-oiling my HMV 102 its running much better, however I just used a light oil and I know this isn't a permanent solution but I just wanted to make sure everything was running ok.

What should I use for grease? Would a multi purpose grease be ok?

You should use a sewing machine oil (i.e. Singer Sewing Machine Oil) for pivots and gears, and a modern white grease on the worm; molybdenum grease in the mainsprings.

Is there any reason why normal light oil wouldn't work well for some of the parts? What is so specific about sewing machine oil? Is it due to the speed the gears are etc?