Newton, David and List; I am sending a definition, (ASE and American Heritage Dict.) of silicone so we can all speak on the same substance. "sil-i-cone Any of a group of semi-inorganic polymers based on the structural unit R2SiO, where R is an organic group, characterized by wide-range thermal stability, *high lubricity*, extreme water repellence, and physiological inertness and used in adhesives, *lubricants*, protective coatings, paints, electrical insulation, synthetic rubber, and prosthetic replacements for bodily parts." (*emphasis is mine) Some substances are better than other substances for some applications and Newton is correct, in a general way (my opinion) about silicone. If you will recall we discussed silicone and one of our list member's customer's piano some weeks back. Any substance, Protek lubricant included, can be misused and prove detrimental to the operation of a given mechanism. Silicone is indeed an insidious substance that wants to migrate to where it can. If there is physical contact between two parts there is indeed a possibility/probability of silicone migrating from one part to another. The judicial use of silicone, in appropriate situations, can be of significant benefit to us as techs. Silicone, like graphite, is something that has been and will be used, misused, abused, discussed, fussed about, and cussed at for many many years in tech circles. In my opinion the use of any lubricant to cure ills of action centers is contraindicated. A tight action center is an indication of some problem that can be masked by use of lubricants, but not fixed by them. Then why use any lubricant at all? Time constraints, budget constraints, drop action spinet pianos etc. Just my thoughts. Jim Bryant (FL) ps- to answer the original question about where to get silicone, I believe it is available from Baldwin.
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