Tallow!

[JIMRPT@AOL.COM]

In a message dated 07/04/02 11:35:48 PM, Duplexdan@AOL.COM writes:

<< If we accept the opinion that tallow and graphite are to be avoided, 
notwithstanding Ed Foote's succesful use of it in certain applications, what 
substitutes would you recommend in those cases he quotes? >>

Dan;
 In my opinion we should not accept the opinion that tallow and graphite 
should be avoided. Like all lubricants both of these can be misused and 
abused. 
ANY lubricant/suface prep that is misused and abused should be avoided. There 
was a question as to whether tallow should be used on knuckles and the answer 
to that is 'no'....... as for graphite on knuckles...... well if it is the 
stick/powder graphite, and used sparingly, there can be a significant and 
more or less permanent change in the friction level therein..........all of 
my new knuckles get a 'spare' wipe of graphite before anything else happens 
to them....as a final touch to the knuckles they all also get a coating 
brushed in of micro-fine teflon...... a very good combination. ANY 
combination of vasoline/tallow/gunk and graphite has no place on 
knuckles...period...that is not to say that there are not applications where 
such as VJ lube is the/a lube of choice.

  Are there "substitutes" for graphite/tallow... yes, there are many and you 
will find there are advocates of each who will swear that their concoction is 
the best..period...well they all can't be right. :-) Try the ones, 
substitutes, that are available and use each judiciously and with common 
sense and you won't go wrong, i.e., don't put permanently gunky stuff on felt 
or leather, etc.......
 
 Another place where 'gunky' graphite stuff should not be used is in the 
lubrication of repetition springs...if you have ever cleaned up an old set 
and noticed the extreme difference than you know why I say this... :-)
Just my opinion.
 Jim Bryant (FL)