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Member since 12/15/02
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Posted on: 4/4/13 9:00 AM ET
White Lithuim grease

In place of grease for machine gears? I was going through the internet last night and saw a few posts that I could use this as grease specifically for sewing machines isn't available around here and Joanns didn't have any last night. I can get this at Autozone right around the corner. But then I also read I could use vaseline and that didn't seem right.

On a sad note it's time to completely retire my T&S got her out last night and she can't wind a bobbin anymore (the little switch won't move) and the rod connected to the handwheel, something is wrong, the handwheel pops in and out slightly when the machine is running. Bless her heart though she made darn near a perfect stitch last night. I know could get her repaired but I have 3 other machines that need spa treaments and that I will use more often. This was the machine my sis brought me in high school so great sentimental value. So I will keep her clean and comfortable.
  
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Posted on: 4/4/13 9:53 AM ET
In reply to quiltingwolf
I used lithium grease from a different manufacturer (Lubriplate) on my 15-91 refurb project, after the Triflow grease proved to be far too thick. It works pretty good. I'd stay away from Vaseline, just because it's so thick, and is not made to be a lubricant.
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A sewing machine is just a welder for textiles.
  
Member since 2/3/06
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Posted on: 4/4/13 9:56 AM ET
In reply to quiltingwolf
Yes to both the lithium grease and Vaseline. The lithium grease is probably better, but you could use Vaseline if that's all you have.

Edited to add - Al, the original Singer grease that was supplied with machines is almost identical to Vaseline. I've seen highly regarded sm mechs say this as well as my mechanical engineer DH. It has a fairly low melting point - a tiny amount will spread nicely.
-- Edited on 4/4/13 10:00 AM --
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Melbourne
  
Member since 12/15/02
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Posted on: 4/4/13 11:11 AM ET
Thanks guys I can get it at Autozone or even Home Depot.
  
Member since 1/27/09
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Posted on: 4/4/13 11:51 AM ET
Not to be too contrary, but I'd not use lithium grease anywhere I didn't see lithium grease had been used in the first place, usually only on plastics.

The problem with lithium (white) grease is that it dries out over time, making for a chunky, crumbly mess that doesn't lubricate.

Tri-flow grease has always worked for me (and is safe for plastic), and even vaseline has been fine.
  
Member since 12/3/06
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Posted on: 4/4/13 11:59 AM ET
In reply to ThePadre
Quote: ThePadre
Not to be too contrary, but I'd not use lithium grease anywhere I didn't see lithium grease had been used in the first place, usually only on plastics.

The problem with lithium (white) grease is that it dries out over time, making for a chunky, crumbly mess that doesn't lubricate.

Tri-flow grease has always worked for me (and is safe for plastic), and even vaseline has been fine.



Thanks. I knew lithium was not a good idea, but could not remember why. Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) comes up as a satisfactory SM lube many times in the discussions on the ISMACS daily newsletter.




-- Edited on 4/4/13 12:03 PM --
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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
  
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Posted on: 4/4/13 2:24 PM ET
In reply to PattiAnnJ
And I'd keep petroleum jelly (Vaseline) away from plastic components (gears and internal camstacks) as petroleum is not compatible with a lot of plastics. Really, for anything that's new enough to have plastic(*) in it, I stick with Tri-Flow. I've never had a problem with it being too thick. (I use a toothpick, or the stick part of a cotton swab to dab and smear the stuff as necessary. Heat will often handle the rest of the spreading.)

(*)Most newer plastics I've seen in these machines are nylon, which usually doesn't need lubrication in the first place. Nylon has a very low friction surface WITHOUT lubrication.
  
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Posted on: 4/4/13 2:28 PM ET
In reply to ThePadre
Well this is for a Rocketeer so I don't think I have to worry about any plastic in that baby.
  
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Posted on: 4/4/13 2:41 PM ET
In reply to quiltingwolf
Yeah, but then the vaseline and tri-flow will work fine, and you won't have to chisel them away later on. :)
  
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Posted on: 4/4/13 4:15 PM ET
I have to post a disclaimer here - the lithium grease I have used was gifted to me not in its regular container, so I'm not sure of all its ingredients, but I haven't had any problems with it. I regularly use Vaseline.
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Melbourne
  
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