Will owners and service folks of band organs kindly give me their
thoughts and practices regarding lubrication of the crankshaft and
pumpsticks.  I have closely examined these parts only on Wurlitzers
so my observations and comments are from that perspective.

I know there are oil holes at the main bearing just behind the
pulley.  What oil are you using?  I suppose a few drops of SAE 20
non-detergent motor oil is acceptable.  I believe I have seen small
holes drilled in the pumpsticks at their wristpins and I suppose the
same oil used very sparingly is suitable there.

The problem, and my greater question, is what to do about the
crankshaft journals.  I wonder if they were originally greased
with heavy grease or possibly beeswax or some now unfamiliar product?
I question the effect of oil on wood.  It must have been the intention,
but I don't think the care and use of these machines was considered
into the far distant future from their production where they now
reside.

On the occasions when I removed a pumpstick I have used a coating
of silicone grease as found in auto parts stores.  The product claims
to be harmless to wood and leather and is not much affected by heat.
It is viscous enough that it stays where it is used and doesn't run
out or drip.

I wonder if this product is suitable for the bevel gears in the later
gear-driven tracker frames?  There I think heavy grease may have been
used but that could have thinned and dripped over time and instructions
warn owners about keeping oil and grease out of the action chest.

Doug Hershberger