Hello fellow MMDers and Tonewheel aficionados,  I am researching
Hammond Generator Oil for information as to its makeup, possible
substitutes, and availability.

As to availability of the original article, I only found two leads
in all of Southern California.  Being the weekend, I was only able
to leave messages, so no feedback on that avenue yet.

I found only one reference in the MMD Archives, by Scott Olson:


>> The Hammond oil for mechanical tone generators is a highly refined
>> wax-free ultra-light turbine-type oil.  It can be used for _lots_
>> of other applications (even for clock oil).


This definition seems to apply, at least superficially, to sewing
machine oil, which is mineral oil.

In my search I also found a site that listed food grade mineral oil
covering quite a range of viscosities.  Assuming this could be used
for the Hammond organ, does anyone know what viscosity would be
appropriate?

Smell and touch test of products on hand:

  mineral oil - odorless
  Dritz sewing machine oil - odorless
  Hammond oil - a definite light machine oil smell

The viscosity seems roughly the same between the three samples.
The Dritz sewing machine oil, from all appearances, is the same as
pharmaceutical mineral oil in that it is colorless, odorless, tasteless
and of the same viscosity.  The Hammond oil may be of a different
configuration, or maybe it is mineral oil with additives that are
responsible for the distinctive motor lubricating oil odor?

I wouldn't refer to any of these oils as ultra-light.  Compared to
light mineral oil, I find them a bit thick.  Pharmaceutical grade light
mineral oil is much less "oily" to the touch, which makes me think that
ultra-light must be nearing the viscosity of water.

I imagine the naming convention is governed by viscosity, though I
suppose it could be different between pharmaceutical oils, food grade
oils, and lubricating oils?

Any feedback on this subject would be appreciated.

Thank you.
Tom Lear
Tujunga, Calif.