Cleaning the changer

[Jif]

That's interesting, I've read about this on the US forum but been a bit hesitant about trying it. I'm just about to put on a new set of strings, so might give it a go.

I've been using singer sewing machine oil for lubrication, seems to work well, it's very thin and seems to last. Handy for a lot of other lubrication purposes.



Would it be an idea to fix the newspaper or maybe some sort of absorbent pad directly onto the bottom of the changer with tape to catch the fluid as it exits the changer, might be a bit less messy!

[Jason Lynch]

on the subject of oils, I bought a small can of gun oil from beau, even has a small needle nose spout. anyone else tried that kind of oil?

[Jif]

I've come to a decision to give the cleaning process a go while I'm changing the strings, bought a couple of cans of lighter fluid today! I can take pictures as I go along if anyone would like to see me make a complete guddle of it

But I'm still wondering whether to give the teflon spray a try out and see how it compares with the oil, anybody got any views on this?

I guess I could try the teflon after cleaning and if it doesn't last too long could go back to using the oil.

[Ken Byng]

Geoff
I personally wouldn't use the teflon spray lubricant - it needs to be applied with precision and a needle applicator is far better at targeting the exact points around the changer, roller nut and pedal axles and swivels. Here is a link to a piece put together rather brilliantly by the wonderful Greg Cutshaw. http://www.gregcutshaw.com/Lubricate/Lubricate.html

Greg has included many hi-def photos of the lubricating process which is done using Tri-Flow. The advantage of the Teflon based lubricants is that it doesn't attract the dust and dirt that the wetter machine oil tends to.

[Malcolm]

Geoff, if I was you I would get basket back on head, health and safety insist on suitable protection when using lighter fluid.

[Willie Gamble]

Ken, when I lubricate my Mullen, I use a Teflon based spray can, the only difference is that I spray some into the lid of the can and suck it up into an old Hyponeedic Dermal
sorry I meant a hypodermic needle, and it serves the same purpose as the Tri Flow thingy

I mentioned this as these needle point applicators are not so easily purchased in Britain

I hope you have recovered from your trip in Ivor's Lexus and that Wifey has managed to wash your jeans.

All the best to you and yours for Christmas and the new year Ken

Asleep at the Steel

[Jif]

Thanks Ken & Willie, that advise is most helpful. I've already got a can of the Teflon spray and I have a "Hyponeedic Dermal" which should do the job. I've had a quick look at Greg's site before and found it very helpful but never had a good look at it, he has some really useful stuff on there.

Something I found really useful in Greg's advise was to keep the old strings on whilst doing this as it allows you to move the mechanisms easily after applying the Teflon to work it into the bearings. I think I will leave this until I have a spare day or so, so probably after Christmas, as I would like to clean all the bearings etc before lubricating.

Malcom - Here's the kit I'll be wearing when I do the job, obviously I'd be a "basket case" not to kit up in appropriate H&S gear, as long as there isn't any asbestos involved I should be OK

[David Hartley]

Smart picture. Don't forget to have a lighter just to evaporate any excess liquid on the steel.

[Malcolm]

I seriously worry about you guys up in Kirkaldy, think most of you should be Carstairs residents.

[Jif]

LOL

@ David - Do you think I'm barking, (no don't answer that), surely it'll go woof if I do that

@Malcom - Kirkcaldy? Kirkcaldy?? I'll have you know that my current residence is in Glenrothes, or Culture Central as it's known around here, although I do spend a lot of time in an establishment called Stratheden