Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: What do you use to clean and lube?

This is topic What do you use to clean and lube? in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://ft-forum.com/ft/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=009546

Posted by Andrew Bangs (Member # 4938) on 10-04-2008, 12:11 AM:

I am running out of our favorite lubricant (bummer...)that we use to lube the Dampening sprocket. We have been using this stuff called Tef-Lube. It is a PTFE Lubricant will any ol PTFE lubricant work or is their specific reasons not to use anything but a certain type?

Secondly how do you clean your sound heads. we currently use some 90% Alcohol and a Q-Tip.

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 10-04-2008, 12:38 AM:

I don't find myself needing to use lube very much, but when I need to squeeze something in or get something moving I usually just apply a bit of Filmguard. I never use Xekote II.

I wipe my sounddrum with a shop rag once in a blue moon (ie: when it needs it). The optics I use lens cleaner and a Q-tip from time to time.

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 10-04-2008, 07:08 AM:

XECOTE is gone....not sold. Louis

Posted by Bill Enos (Member # 440) on 10-04-2008, 11:28 AM:

In the days of mechanical typewriter, adding machines, we found that all the ptfe lubes would in a week or two turn to goo and gum up small moving parts rendering the machine inoperable. Most of the equipment manufacturers recommended against their use. Ptfe engine oil additives are gone too, the result of suits resulting from blocked oil passages and wrecked engines.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 10-04-2008, 11:47 AM:

I pretty much only use two greases... SuperLube or Mobil-1 wheel bearing lube depending on the job. Neither will turn to goo on you because both are synthetic. Both are similar except Mobil-1 takes a lot higher heat. Super Lube is available at many bearing supply houses and Mobil-1 is at any CarQuest or similar store...

Mark

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 10-04-2008, 12:09 PM:

I am not qualified to comment on lubricants, but I am quite fond of VM&P naphtha for cleaning. It is a grease solvent (good for oil spills) and is also useful for removing tape goo from film (John Pytlak said that it is safe for film in small quantities). Any paint or hardware stor will sell it. Unfortunately, it is quite flammable.

Posted by Andrew Bangs (Member # 4938) on 10-04-2008, 01:00 PM:

The gum up issue is why I gave up WD-40 a long time ago. I did not think the problem existed with PTFE only that it eventually evaporated into nothing, or so I was told. I also have the problem of their being a felt washer in the end of the Dampening Sprocket. Most of which are either completely clogged with (I guess now) goo or they have simply worn away. I am not sure but I think this washer may be unique to The Horizon line if not does any one know where to get more or if it is simple felt material could I make my own?

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 10-04-2008, 01:11 PM:

For years on the prevost machines that had a similar sprocket system I used Dow corning high vacuum grease as it provided sufficent damping action

Posted by Fred Tucker (Member # 4482) on 10-05-2008, 08:59 AM:

As far as lubricants go ther is nothing that beats PB Blaster. It doesnt gum up or get sticky. It works gret and has saved my but many times even before I got into this business. http://www.blastergroup.com.au/PB_Blaster.html

Posted by Andrew Bangs (Member # 4938) on 10-05-2008, 11:47 AM:

I have been curious about that PB Blaster stuff as I have seen it everywhere I go looking for more Lube. I think I will give it a try.

Posted by Andres Briano (Member # 4621) on 10-05-2008, 02:00 PM:

quote: Louis Bornwasser
XECOTE is gone....not sold.

Louis, is this for the same reasons as 1.1.1 tricloroethane is going out of the market?

Andrés

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 10-05-2008, 02:24 PM:

Use a thin piece of felt and cut it to fit and that will work but it must have some form of sticking lube on it for it to damp properly

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 10-05-2008, 05:28 PM:

Dampening sprockets or rollers usually on these machines and some European makes, need cleaning and adjusting around 200 - 300 hours of use.....

Posted by Andrew Bangs (Member # 4938) on 10-06-2008, 12:43 AM:

We were cleaning ours once a month but have now switched to once every other week.
aprox. every 96-100 hrs.

quote: Gordon McLeod
some form of sticking lube

Like what?
We have a washer that encloses the felt into the end of the Sprocket would regular lube work in that case?

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 10-06-2008, 09:56 AM:

I always used the Dow Corning Silicon High Vacuum greese that was used to hold the O rings into the 15K lamps on the Imax
One could also use the clutch oil for takeups from Cinemecanica

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 10-06-2008, 10:02 AM:

Andrew,

You should be able to get the Dow Corning stuff or something near equivelent(Superlube) at your local bearing distributer.

Mark

Posted by Joe Tommassello (Member # 4632) on 10-10-2008, 02:42 PM:

For cleaning I like Gilette hair and body wash. For lubing...

Wait - is that what he meant?

Posted by Andrew Bangs (Member # 4938) on 10-10-2008, 06:17 PM:

No not really. [scream]