[ Mark Singleton wrote in 100523 MMDigest:

> it goes against the grain, to my way of thinking, not to lubricate
> the star wheels, at the point where they sit on the arbour.

I totally agree, the star wheels definitely need to be lubricated,
just as any other 'mating' moving part on any mechanism.  I apply
a thin coat of oil when I re-insert the bar that holds the star wheels.
This helps a little in getting the bar in.

When I have all the start wheels in place I then use my oiler with
a needle nose on it and run it along the top of the star wheels (like
skimming down piano keys) while squeezing the bottle.  I then rotate
the star wheels many times and distribute that oil not only near the
bottom where the bar is, but also along the sides where the wheels can
rub against the star wheel gantry pieces which hold them apart.

I'll probably get a response to that procedure along the lines of "but
it will attract dust and dirt and it will stick!"  My answer would be,
if you look at most star wheel assemblies the dirt and dust and bug
carcasses are down near the bottom of the star wheel gantry, not on the
sides of the star wheels.  The light coating of oil on the sides may
actually also prevent some rusting!


> One of the main problems in using oil is applying to much, in which
> case the dampers can become readily contaminated and seriously affect
> the sound quality;

Can't say as I agree with this at all.  Unless you pour oil on the star
wheel gantry it will never get to the dampers.  If, somehow, it did, as
soon as the note was plucked it would 'spray' off any excess oils and
not impede/obstruct the damper actions.


> in addition, capillary action can also bleed the bearing surface dry.
> Perhaps graphite would suffice as a lubricant, but I have not, as yet
> tried it.

Yes, gravity will pull a 'drip' of oil down pretty quickly.  But if you
don't put a lot on, there's nothing to worry about.  Dry silicone spray
is an alternative.

I personally wouldn't use graphite because (1) you can see it, you know
it's graphite, but the customer thinks you didn't clean there because
it looks dirty and takes away from the newly restored look, and (2),
there's nothing to make the graphite stick to the spot you put in on.

Just my thoughts!

Nancy Fratti - Nancy Fratti Music Boxes
Canastota, New York
http://www.nancyfrattimusicboxes.com/