| Author |
Topic: Is this really OK? |
Chris Sattler
From:
Hunter Valley, Australia
|
Posted 17 Jul 2021 2:38 am |
|
I watched recently a nice little video from a while ago. It was called "The care and feeding of your pedal steel guitar". I was aware of this but had never seen it. His method of lubricating the changer surprised me. Basically get a tablespoon (or more) of ordinary motor oil and pour it over the top of the changer. Let it work its way through for a few days and you're done. I have always used silicon or lanolin based products and thought that ordinary oils or WD40 were frowned upon.
I'm quite willing to give it a go, just thought I'd run it by a few of us here first. Thanks for reading and maybe responding |
|
|
 |
Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
|
Posted 17 Jul 2021 3:31 am
|
|
Oil or lubricate sparingly! (Synthetic oil, a drop at a time.)
Save the "pouring" stuff for the John Deere.  |
|
|
|
Andrew Goulet
|
Posted 17 Jul 2021 3:55 am
|
|
I've heard of people doing that but I don't think I would. Oil attracts dirt which turns into grit in your changer. I don't think most people "pour" any kind of lubricant. As Donny noted, you really only need a drop at a time, and only where the contact points are.
There is a substantial debate about Teflon vs oil, though. I try to use Teflon where I can because it doesn't attract dirt.
_________________
Marlen S12 and a ZT Club |
|
|
|
Ken Mizell
From:
Lakeland, Florida, 33809, USA
|
Posted 18 Jul 2021 4:41 pm
|
|
Many people like TriFlow. Some use sewing machine oil. When I had my BMI, I used RemOil, Teflon based gun oil. Thin oil, and just a tiny bit, is all you need. I have a GFI, and they discourage oiling their guitars.
_________________
Steeless. |
|
|
|
Bob Carlucci
From:
Candor, New York, USA
|
Posted 18 Jul 2021 7:43 pm
|
|
I always used a lot of oil,, plain old motor oil works well as does ATF.. I let it run in, throw some paper on the floor let it drip for a day or so, and call it good.. Never an issue, and personally never saw a lot of the dirt that supposedly collects on the oil. Never ever a wear problem. To each his own, but I can pretty much guarantee the great music made on pedal steel guitars in the 60's and 70's was not made on guitars meticulously and precisely lubed with pinpoint oilers, tri flow, teflon etc.. Plain old motor oil and a rag made from a ripped T shirt I'll wager.. LOTS of those old guitars that were improperly lubed with ham fisted, Neanderthal like crudity , and primitive dirty oil are still standing proud, looking great, working beautifully. bob
_________________
I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!
no gear list for me.. you don't have the time...... |
|
|
|
James Sission
From:
Sugar Land,Texas USA
|
Posted 19 Jul 2021 5:11 am
|
|
| Bob Carlucci wrote: |
| I always used a lot of oil,, plain old motor oil works well as does ATF.. I let it run in, throw some paper on the floor let it drip for a day or so, and call it good.. Never an issue, and personally never saw a lot of the dirt that supposedly collects on the oil. Never ever a wear problem. To each his own, but I can pretty much guarantee the great music made on pedal steel guitars in the 60's and 70's was not made on guitars meticulously and precisely lubed with pinpoint oilers, tri flow, teflon etc.. Plain old motor oil and a rag made from a ripped T shirt I'll wager.. LOTS of those old guitars that were improperly lubed with ham fisted, Neanderthal like crudity , and primitive dirty oil are still standing proud, looking great, working beautifully. bob |
That's funny, but so true. When I read that I couldn't help but think I could just set my steel next to my panhead Harley and oil it up then drag it back inside once it stops dripping.  |
|
|
|
Andrew Goulet
|
Posted 19 Jul 2021 8:24 am
|
|
Let the lubrication war begin! 
_________________
Marlen S12 and a ZT Club |
|
|
|
Johnny Cox
From:
Williamsom WVA, raised in Nashville TN, Lives in Hallettsville Texas
|
Posted 19 Jul 2021 2:22 pm
|
|
I've been playing 50 years and repairing and building as well. I like a very fine turbine oil or just 3N1 has alway worked well with no issues.
_________________
Johnny "Dumplin" Cox
"YANKIN' STRINGS & STOMPIN' PEDALS" since 1967. |
|
|
|
Bill Ferguson
From:
Milton, FL USA
|
Posted 20 Jul 2021 7:34 am
|
|
Zumsteel used Automatic Transmission Fluid. I have done as you, and let it seep through. I do use a degreaser first and blow out the changers real good.
Has always worked for me.
Motor oil collect too much dust though.
_________________
AUTHORIZED George L's, Goodrich, Telonics and Peavey Dealer: I have 2 steels and several amps. My current rig of choice is 1993 Emmons LeGrande w/ 108 pups (Jack Strayhorn built for me), Goodrich OMNI Volume Pedal, George L's cables, Goodrich Baby Bloomer and Peavey Nashville 112. Can't get much sweeter. |
|
|
|
