Question:
I was going to oil my sewing machine last night. I dug through all my junk and couldn't find my oil, but I did find this older package of Singer lubricant.
So my question is: What's the difference? Is it OK to use on my machine instead of oil. I tell ya, I think I'd rather use it if it will do the job. The oil I had was so thin I'd end up using way too much of it and dripping it all over, but this is thicker, more the consistency of an ointment.
The two machines I would use it on are an older Necchi and a featherwieght so its not like I have special computerized machines (and warrenties) to worry about.
Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.
Answer:
Well... here's my answer.
I bought some 3-in-1 all purpose light oil and thought I was going to get chewed out... but it seems to work just fine. (I knew that!)
I think you can use just about anything that will hold its viscosity for a fair length of time.
If the decision troubles you (I don't like things to break, either), use the one that is easiest to use. Then work your machine for an hour or two. Check the lubrication points to see if it is still holding up. Go from there.
Cheers... and Happy New Year!
Answer:
My first thought was that you might be talking about thread lubricant. Then I looked at the photo...
So then I googled Singer machine lubricant and got some things to read:
http://www.singer-featherweight.com/.../Service3.html
With the face plate removed and arm top cover removed or turned aside, apply a small amount of oil or lubricant to each of the points indicated... and http://www.singer-featherweight.com/...Manual-11.html
Apply oil to the oil holes and bearings indicated in Fig. 28, and occasionally apply a small quantity of SINGER Lubricant for Electric Motors to the gears Z. My guess from this is that the lubricant is generally used for electric motors and the oil is for the mechanical parts.
USE ONLY SINGER LUBRICANT FOR LUBRICATING THE MOTOR. A tube of this lubricant is sent with the machine.
SINGER Lubricant for Electric Motors is a specially prepared non-flowing compound which is not affected by varying temperatures. It is the only lubricant which will positively lubricate the motor. Other lubricants, including oil or ordinary grease, must not be used for lubricating the motor as they are harmful for this purpose. I think I need some of that lubricant for my featherweight...
It does sound as though you could use either one on the rest of the machine.
But I'm not sure about the Necchi...
I'd use a very high quality light machine oil. For what it's worth, sewing machine repairpeople say that 3 in 1 oil gums up sewing machines, I think mostly due to the large amount and types of lint that gets in between the metal moving pieces.
I always figured an expensive bottle of oil was cheap insurance.
Elaine
Answer:
http://www.all-sewing-machine-parts....size=50&page=1
Lots of choices!
(I am not endorsing this site...only pointing out that there are lots of choices...which only makes it harder to choose, probably....)
Elaine
Answer:
Wow! Thanks Elaine. This is more information than I can comprehend at the moment. I'll have to study it tomorrow.
I think you and Fiberguy are both right, there would be no problem using the lubricant, but I'll hang on to it for my featherweight and pick up some regular sewing machine oil tomorrow.
Thanks to you both!
Answer:
You know, the main thing about oils and lubricants is that you need to use them regularly.
And using too much at an application is not a good idea either. The extra tends to get on other machine parts and collects dirt. Or ends up staining your project.
The other thing is that oils tend to get gummy when the machine is not used. (I was given an old Necchi that sounded like it was running with something thick and sticky inside! lol) So sometimes it's necessary to use a cleaning oil first to work the gummy stuff out of an old machine and then regularly use 'normal' oil.
It's better for a machine to be used than to sit around.
I think the standard is to oil the mechanical parts every 8 hrs of use.
Answer:
I may be wrong but it is my understanding that sewing machine oil does not evaporate and leave a gummy residue the way other oils, such as 3 in 1 will. Also, the heavier lubricant is for the gears and shafts inside or under the machine, not the smaller parts accessed by the oil holes (needle shaft, bobbin, etc.). I think the thicker lubricant would be too heavy for use in those areas.
Answer:
Originally Posted by bocafossil Also, the heavier lubricant is for the gears and shafts inside or under the machine, not the smaller parts accessed by the oil holes (needle shaft, bobbin, etc.). I think the thicker lubricant would be too heavy for use in those areas. I thought so too, but the service manual for the Featherweights makes it sound as though they are interchangeable.
On the other hand, those service manuals were written 50 years ago or so... Maybe the recommendations have changed.
Elaine (who is definitely NOT a sewing machine technician...)