Thread: What grease for brass and plastic?

Hi Guys,
Pulling apart my new microscope for a cleaning as most of the grease has set. Most of the parts are brass but there are some clear plastic washers and racks. Bearing in mind it was made in 1979 anyone have a idea what grease would be best? I have wheel bearing of course, molly, silicon and vasiline.

The fine adjuster on this thing(mostly not grease lubricated ) is like a dail gauge. 20 full turns to move the table 2mm(or there abouts)
Stuart

Stu,

I'm wondering if you can find something online if not about microscope repair then camera repair. I had a printed manual for repairing one of my old Nikons and I'm certain it would have specified the type of lubrication required. I'll have a dig around for it.

BT

ps I just had a quick dig online. My suggestion my not be much chop. Page 16 of the 104 page manual simply states "lubricate". Sort of suggests someone capable of dismantling and successfully reassembling the camera would be aware of the lubricant to use. http://cameraobscura.zenfolio.com/nikonfrepair.pdf

Lubricants for instruments are highly specialised, usually very expensive, but fortunately come in very small packages. It is like you can totally ruin a dial indicator or a watch by using an ordinary oil - the oil may polymerize over time resulting in a sticking dial gauge with jerky movements, or the watch may simply stop.

I suggest you do some reading on restoring/maintaining optical instruments. If lucky you may get some information on your particular brand and vintage of microscope. Otherwise, you at least get some idea what to look out for. Wheel bearing grease or WD40 is certainly not a good idea.

Here a good introduction, look under lubrication about halfway down the document: Some Thoughts on Microscope Maintenance and Repair

In doubt, I suggest you use a (mechanical) watch oil on the most delicate parts. Be prepared to spend something like $20+ for a small 5mL flask. Bergeon Swiss, or Fulcrum USA are two brands for watch oil. Chris

Stu,

Further to Chris' suggestions, have a look at the Moebius range of watch and clock lubricants. Oil & Lubricants by Moebius Again, Ebay can be your friend.

BT

Hi BT,
Thanks for looking. For my nice trick I need to make or buy some 10BA c/sink srcews. Making them might be fun.

Hi Chris,
The grease has set for what ever reason, it isnt for the dial indicator area. Just the slides, clutches and the first spindle in the gear train.

I ordered some oil last night as I have about 20 dial indicators that could use some work.
LARGE 2 oz bottles of Liquid Bearings, the BEST all-purpose synthetic lubricant! | eBay

I didnt have any idea what I was looking for really, picked the guy that thats all he sells. Should have asked here first.

Thanks for the list BT, so many to choose from!

Before and after(two of the three slides), currently dry but at least things move the way they should. I havent touched the "dial indicator" assembly as yet as it seems to be working fine, its just the greased places. The gunk is just the big globs I cleaned off before the parts went in the cleaner,

Stuart

I'd use slide grease and valve oil for a brass musical instrument. Music stores sell it in small quantities.

Hey Stu,

Would you like me to post over a 10BA die?

BT

Hi PJ,
Never used slide grease, no sure how long it would last but valve oil seems to last a long long time.

Hi BT,
Were's your sense of adventure?
I've drawn it up and got my gears thanks to Vernons calc.
Now do I grind up a new tool or just touch up the 8BA one?
(yes I really should just buy the things but somethimes thats not the point. Wouldnt want to risk running out of jobs to do! lol)
Upon failure I'll take you up on your kind offer.

Stuart

p.s. These screws are steel that will be a little more tricky than brass. One more problem, anyone got an ezyout for 10BA? lol

Panasonic Moriton grease it is used for broadcast quality video camera lenses

Originally Posted by Stustoys

Hi PJ,
Never used slide grease, no sure how long it would last but valve oil seems to last a long long time.

Hi BT,
Were's your sense of adventure?
I've drawn it up and got my gears thanks to Vernons calc.
Now do I grind up a new tool or just touch up the 8BA one?
(yes I really should just buy the things but somethimes thats not the point. Wouldnt want to risk running out of jobs to do! lol)
Upon failure I'll take you up on your kind offer.

Stuart

p.s. These screws are steel that will be a little more tricky than brass. One more problem, anyone got an ezyout for 10BA? lol

Stuart
The 10 BA Csk steel screws are available from E & J Winter Model Eng Supplies NSW
I just checked & they do stock them.
If you Google this company & then check their catalogue they are listed.
They will mail order to you.
I have purchased many items from them without any problems.
regards
Bruce

Hi Bruce,
But I can save $6.75 for only 4 hours work
Feeling pig headed, I will try making one and see how it goes.
If it goes pear shaped I'll buy some.
Thanks

Stuart

Back when one bothered to fix/service VCR's I used to use Langer Fett (I think thats how its spelled) from Wes Components in Sydney. I found it to be quite good, but I must admit I havent worked on microscopes.

From memory there is one thats for plastics and another for metal bits.

Was recommened to me by a quite talented fellow who back then ran a repair business on the side. He also had some non creep oil, expensive and it came in a very small bottle. Unfortunately I cant recall its name.

Good luck with your search.