Well, I just stumbled into this on a google search 25 years later. Keith, if you’re still around, thanks so much for this! Very helpful!
Phoebe
In article <01bd7f24$d28c4440$803e0c26@hp-customer>, CW
> snipped-for-privacy@pop3.idt.net> writes
> >3 in 1 oil should not be used for sewing machines ( or any other mechanical
> >device you care about ). It evaporates and leaves a gummy residue. A good
> >sewing machine oil is much better but the best is the ( relatively new )
> >Teflon based oils such as Breakfree, Triflow, ect.
> I was just getting my wife's e-mail for her and noticed your heading.
> I used to have my own sewing machine repair business (as I refused to
> sell machines I actually used to mend them!) and must tell you some of
> the horror story of inappproprite oiling.
> ****Triflow is instant death to any close tolerance sliding parts****
> If you've got a good quality rotary hook sewing machine you can prove it
> by running the machine and putting a little on the race and listen to it
> SLOWING down.
> The reason is simple. The tolerances in a well made hook are smaller
> than even the minute granules of teflon. It does not matter how slippery
> teflon is, if it's too big for the gap you have got trouble. The first
> one I noticed it on (after I had just bought 12 cans of Triflow) was an > Elna.
>
> ***3in1***
> I think our 3 in 1 must be different to yours as I had no problems with
> it, but it is probably just a trade name for a "bought in" oil so I
> would be more surprised if it was the same.
> What I used was a hydraulic oil called Duckhams Onyx 32. It is a
> compunded oil specially made for sliding parts. It does not have the
> high film strength of standard lubricating oils but it you are putting
> on a sewing macine, not a tractor :-). Unfortunately it was only
> available in 5 gallon drums :-(
> The best oil for your use (and just about identical to Onyx32) is the
> specialist clear, non-staining oil used in industrial sewing machines
> (over here the rag tradecalls it "white oil") which cost about £3 per
> litre. Most *industrial* repairers will sell you a bottle.
> ***WHAT TO AVOID.***
> 1 Cooking oil (especially olive oil). I once had a machine so solid with
> olive oil that an 18" wrench would not turn it!!!
> 2 Car oil.
> 3 Grease. I once had a Singer feather weight FULL of grease. The husband
> said he was an engineer and knew all about mechanical things. The wife
> believed him. I suspect he's dead now.
> 4 Advice from husbands.
> ***WHAT TO CLEAN OUT OLD WITH***
> I used ISO-PROPYL ALCOHOL, also known as ISO-PROPANOL or IPA
> It is a natural product (originally got from fermenting potatoes) and is
> the basis of real Russin vodka. It is ozone friendly, non-toxic and safe
> on all common plastics. But be aware of the fact that it is flamable but
> burns with a cool flame a bit like surgical spirit so is not a great
> fire risk like petrol (gasolene to you!) but keep it out of the electric > motor.
> Any other solvents you must test on a small area of any plastic parrts
> to test for damage.
>
> ***HOW TO PUT OUR LOCAL REPAIR MAN OUT OF BUSINESS***
> Service your own machine!!!
> Run the machine flat out with no thread and drip the IPA on the race etc
> and just listen to it speed up. Keep running it until it evaporates and,
> if it slows down significantly, repeat the process until all the "glue"
> has gone. Oil lightly. You can even disolve a little oil in some IPA and
> use it to wash it into the bearings etc. without getting too much oil > around.
> ***A TIP THAT WILL COST YOU NOTHING AND SAVE YOU A LOT***
> Oil deteriorates when it is left still. I used to advisse my customers
> to get the machine out about every month or two and run it flat out for
> a few minutes. You will be amazed at how much difference it makes and
> how infrequently you need to have it serviced as it just won't get that
> sluggish feel.
>
> I'm sorry it was a long e-mail but it is a subject I love. My father was
> in sewing machines, my wife has more than I care to count and I just
> find them fascinating.
> Good luck to you all from the West of England between Bath and
> Salisbury.
> --
> Keith Huggett.