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Hi,

I find that the Hetman #3 valve oil works great on my tubas, except for the gunk buildup. What other valve oils out there are the most similar to Hetman #3?

For reference, I don't consider Yamaha "Vintage" similar to Hetman #3. fwiw.

Thanks!

I was going to say lamp-oil, sewing-machine oil, and STP concoctions work well, are cheap, and easy to tune the viscosity, but you get some scum especially on the piston holes every couple months.

But if the legit stuff does that too, just homebrew it. It just enforces good cleaning habits anyways.

bloke wrote:Lamp oil cleans, lubricates, costs between a quarter and a half-dollar per ounce (depending on the quantity purchased), and - being inexpensive - can be applied liberally prior to each playing session.

I use it exclusively. My instruments are treasured by me, and are not inexpensive.

Can you provide a link to the exact product you use? There is some variety of lamp oils out there.

bloke wrote:I'll pick up some of this at Walmart today, if I get out.
It's only 11 cents per ounce:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Florasense-6 ... l/16783697

In my needle oiler (just fwiw) I use 30W.

for slide grease (for stationary slides) I use STP Oil Treatment.

That lamp isn't considered a synthetic is it? I ask because if I apply that after I have been using Blue Juice I wonder if it will have a bad interaction as a synthetic would

Lamp oil on rotors as well?

Thanks I'm going to buy a bottle of that stuff you linked. That much oil will last a LONG time.

doublebuzzing wrote: That lamp isn't considered a synthetic is it?

No.

Yamaha Vintage Synthetic Valve oil....great for antique horns...

doublebuzzing wrote:Thanks I'm going to buy a bottle of that stuff you linked. That much oil will last a LONG time.

I'm sure you'll be fine with the 32 Oz size, and it's not like the extra penny per oz is going to break the bank....

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Florasense-3 ... l/16783696" target="_blank" target="_blank


FWIW, I've had a 32 Oz bottle for 5 years and it's still about 3/4 full.

jma78 wrote:What other valve oils out there are the most similar to Hetman #3?

Hetman wrote:Specially formulated oil helps to seal piston valves that exhibit greater than average clearance.

Not that I know all the kinds of valve oils, but "lamp oil" seems pretty light to me, and I wonder if might be the least similar to Hetman #3. But it can easily be made heavier if necessary, with any petroleum based lubricant. I use a drop of motor oil.

My alternative to Hetman #3 "Classic":

1. Take a clean, empty standard 2-ounce valve oil bottle.
2. Fill it with an ounce or so, half full, with a standard valve oil.
3. Add a couple of drops of pharmaceutical grade mineral oil.
4. Shake to mix thoroughly.
5. Apply to valves to see if it seals up.
6. If not, add another drop and shake again to mix:
a. wipe down valves and casings with a lint-free cloth
b. reapply the new mixture
c. see if that solves the issue.
7. If not, repeat #6 as needed.
8. If you get to a point that the valves start to slow, add a splash of the original valve oil to bring the viscosity back down.

A 2-ounce bottle of Hetman's #3 is @ $10.00
A 16-ounce bottle of Roche-Thomas is also @ $10.00
A 16-ounce bottle of mineral oil from the Wal-Mart pharmacy is @ $2.00

For $12.00, until it gets really bad, you may never have to get that valve replate job you were so dreading.

Never a gear head.

But caught the beer bug!!