The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I've stumbled upon this metallurgy lubricant called Militec-1. It creates a molecular bond with metals, and quiets gears and bearings like nothing I've ever experienced. I just purchased some of their grease (which has a 15% concentration of the standard Militec lubricant). I'll post test results after I try some out on some worn gears I have. This stuff is absolutely incredible. Used for gun & gear lube, primarily. Why doesn't it say "for antique phonograph use, too" on their website? Has anyone else used this? Your experiences? Their website is: http://www.militec1.com/

-MM

I'm very interested in hearing more about this, especially how it might reduce the noise on an Amberola I and some of those early victors that sound like combines.

MicaMonster---My machine shop does prototype work exclusively for Northrup-Grumman in the areospace industry.We use the lubricant you describe for high friction and low wear applications and have so for many years. Your recogmendation for use on phonographs is excellent and spot on correct. I am very interested to hear of your test on 100 year old gears and if the " rumble and chatter" is diminished to an appreciable degree. Although this lubricant is not an " industry secret" I am curious how you came upon it. You are without a doubt passing along very good advice concerning this.

Very interesting, how does this compare to molybdenum grease?
I believe that is also a grease designed for high pressure and lubrication-when-dry applications.

Did I read the website correctly that this is a grease, not an oil?

Thanks

Sounds good for goveror noise. I'll have to try some.

I've also got a 2 speed conversion on an Edison Standard That makes a hell of a racket.

Received the Militec-1 oil and grease today. First off, the grease is incredibly tenacious. First act of business was oiling my lyre Amberola 1-A. The oil is provided with a long oiling tube (metal, maybe .5mm in diameter) which made reaching the bearings much easier. It took VERY LITTLE grease/oil to quiet down the already whisper quiet gears! I didn't realize they could get any quieter! I did pat the teeth down with tissue, to absorb any of the regular oil that I have been using. I oil my Amberola monthly, as I usually play it 20+ times per day. It plays incredibly well as it did before Militec-1, but with an added accent of quietness that is quiet startling.

Oiled the Hawthorne & Sheble STAR today too. Greased the winding gear and both main and secondary bull gears. No noticeable change in motor noise, as the governor gear is the only one with any developed wear at all, and it is minimal. You could tell that the gear was working easier with just one dab of the grease. And in that, I'm satisfied.

So, if I must endorse this stuff, I will. For $25, it was the best $25 I've spent this year on my phonographs.

USE SPARINGLY. No need to blob this grease on your gears. One little dab, and it will spread nicely on its own, same for oil...one micro drop is all it takes to oil bearings and gears.

-MM

Another great place to use the grease is on the little reproducer lift lever and hook, right on the friction surface. Often this under-thought-out design aspect of the 1-A sticks, and refuses to lift simply because of the friction between the two parts. Works like a freakin charm!

I put a drop of the oil on the band brake, and instead of stopping at an abrupt HALT,,....the machine glides to a gentle stop. Much more high class.

If gears grind...the condition will obviously improve but will NOT be cured.

MM

Do you find this grease to be low-sling? If so, I would think it would be perfect for the worm gears on Diamond Discs or Victrolas. What do you think?

John