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Used the wrong oil for turntable

bob412

bob412

Active Member
Well ? my turntable was in need of oiling ( Technics sl-1500 direct drive) . Instead of searching out what's the proper oil to use on the turntable spindle I instead used what I had on hand . What I had was a bottle of Liberty 100% synthetic clock oil , a few drops on the spindle shaft. I don't even know the weight of the oil . All I know is that it's used to oil large mechanical clocks . I'm thinking oil is oil how bad could it be . Everything is OK so far , time will tell though . Did I screw up ? Comments appreciated
 

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bob412 said:
Well ? my turntable was in need of oiling ( Technics sl-1500 direct drive) . Instead of searching out what's the proper oil to use on the turntable spindle I instead used what I had on hand . What I had was a bottle of Liberty 100% synthetic clock oil , a few drops on the spindle shaft. I don't even know the weight of the oil . All I know is that it's used to oil large mechanical clocks . I'm thinking oil is oil how bad could it be . Everything is OK so far , time will tell though . Did I screw up ? Comments appreciated
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It'll prolly be fine. Switch to proper stuff, with the next application.

I use the Technics SFW0010 oil.

Technics SFW0010 Center Spindle Oil.
 
The important thing is that the oil won't oxidize over time. I can remember using Sperm whale oil on Stepping switches for telephone equipment. It also works on crossbar systems, too. TWO ounces cost us $50.00 back in the late 60's and early 70's, Thanks to those who developed synthetic lubricants. I used Singer sewing Machine Oil on my Thorens TT's for years. The older Thorens TT's 111, 121, and 124 I used Thorens lubricants for the shaft and for the motors. If repairing others older Thorens I would use synthetic lubes after they became available. I used STP on Revox and Ampex bushings and bearings. I would heat the STP to over 120 degrees and soak the bearings for the Revox, Ampex and Studer machines, too. I use lithium lubricants now days for the platter shafts.
 
I've used sewing machine oil on a few turntables over the years and never had a problem. I did make sure that I cleaned the bearing before adding new oil and only add the amount specified by the manufacturer's specs.
 
tdbr8de said:
I've used sewing machine oil on a few turntables over the years and never had a problem. I did make sure that I cleaned the bearing before adding new oil and only add the amount specified by the manufacturer's specs.
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Sewing machine oil is too light for a Technics bearing.
Chris
 
It's fine, they advertise the same product for turntables lol, I have a bottle I've been using for decades. If you Google turntable oil this shows up along with liquid bearings etc

It comes with a great needle spout that gets the oil where you want it.
 
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