8mm Forum: Film Projector Lubricant

This is topic Film Projector Lubricant in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Sean Sexton (Member # 3457) on December 05, 2013, 10:27 PM:

I'm looking to get some lubricant for my film projector and am curious what people use? Do I need to order something from a film supply store or would I be able to pick up something at the local hardware store? I'm asking b/c I don't want to get the wrong product. I'm working with HDSniper from MovieStuff..Thanks in advance

Posted by Clinton Hunt (Member # 2072) on December 06, 2013, 02:32 AM:

Hi Sean,
I use 3in1 machine oil (like sewing machine oil) for that job [Smile]

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on December 06, 2013, 03:35 AM:

There is a whole thread about that on the forum with oposite opinions. So it may be interesting to read. The controversy is only for more "recent" projectors that are not supposed to be lub by the owner but were lubbed "once for ever". The oldest projectors can be lubbed with oil sewing machines. I recently put two drops of sewing oil in a "recent" projector but on parts that were not originally lubbed with grease.

[ June 26, 2014, 12:39 PM: Message edited by: Dominique De Bast ]

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on December 06, 2013, 04:28 AM:

The gears will need a grease, sewing machine oil would be thrown off as they rotated (and make a mess elsewhere.)
However, sewing machine oil can be used sparingly on shafts.

Posted by Bryan Chernick (Member # 1998) on December 06, 2013, 10:09 AM:

I use sewing machine oil for the bearings and white lithium grease for gears. I also use 100% pure beeswax to lube the film path after I clean it with rubbing alcohol. Wipe a thin coat of the beeswax on and then wipe off the excess.

Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on December 06, 2013, 02:20 PM:

I have a Workprinter and a Cinemate 20. These GAF projectors do not require lubrication...just keep clean and dust free. However...If you feel a lubricant is necessary A1 Oil and white lithium grease as previosly mentioned are fine.

Posted by Clinton Hunt (Member # 2072) on December 06, 2013, 04:55 PM:

......i only use 3in1 in the little oil holes on my older standard 8 projectors and not on previous greased parts......

Posted by Sean Sexton (Member # 3457) on December 06, 2013, 06:02 PM:

Thanks for all the great responses! I now know what I'll get

Posted by Barry Fritz (Member # 1865) on December 07, 2013, 01:59 PM:

Super Lube® Grease is a synthetic, heavy-duty lubricant that is compatible with most other lubricants. Super Lube® Grease outlasts conventional greases 50-100% and has excellent adhesion. Get it at Ace Hardware Stores.

This is what I use as a Precision Oilier $3.49

Model: 64-2301 | Catalog #: 64-2301
At Radio Shack

This PTFE super lubricant sticks to most surfaces without washing off. It is quite useful with electronics, electric motors marine equipment and more. Most of all, its precision tip it fits into hard-to-reach places.

For a thinner lubricant with a retractable long nozzle tube to get into hard to reach areas, Zoom turbine oil is wonderful. I get it at Ace Hardware Stores.

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