Which type of oils for B&S rotors/linkages?
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The Tuba Fish
- bugler

- Posts: 30
- Joined: Thu Mar 07, 2013 8:12 pm
Which type of oils for B&S rotors/linkages?
I'm looking specifically at Hetman, but I'm willing to look at other brands, but which type of oils are best for maintaining a B&S tuba with the newest linkages?
B&S Perantucci PT-6S
YEP-621S
YEP-621S
- Dan Schultz
- TubaTinker

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- Location: Newburgh, Indiana
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Re: Which type of oils for B&S rotors/linkages?
I generally just use an oil like sewing machine oil for the rotor bearings and linkage pivot points.
You'll get several opinions but I am NOT an advocate of dumping anything down the leadpipe or into the tuning slide tubes other than a VERY light oil like lamp oil. Heavier oils tend to migrate into the clearances between the outside of the rotor and the inside of the rotor housing where they will cause the rotors to become sluggish.
You'll get several opinions but I am NOT an advocate of dumping anything down the leadpipe or into the tuning slide tubes other than a VERY light oil like lamp oil. Heavier oils tend to migrate into the clearances between the outside of the rotor and the inside of the rotor housing where they will cause the rotors to become sluggish.
Last edited by Dan Schultz on Thu Apr 03, 2014 1:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Dan Schultz
"The Village Tinker"
http://www.thevillagetinker.com" target="_blank
Current 'stable'... Rudolf Meinl 5/4, Marzan (by Willson) euph, King 2341, Alphorn, and other strange stuff.
"The Village Tinker"
http://www.thevillagetinker.com" target="_blank
Current 'stable'... Rudolf Meinl 5/4, Marzan (by Willson) euph, King 2341, Alphorn, and other strange stuff.
- ghmerrill
- 4 valves

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- Location: Central North Carolina
Re: Which type of oils for B&S rotors/linkages?
I used to use Alisyn, but over the past few years have changed to Yamaha Synthetic Light Valve Oil which I really like. I've used (and use) this on both piston and rotary instruments, for valves and linkages. On my older 1924 horn I use Yamaha Synthetic Vintage Valve Oil.
A lot of this is personal preference after you experiment with a bunch of stuff. I prefer totally odorless/tasteless synthetic oils. Some don't mind a little garnish of kerosene. Some worry about economy. There is some degree of ideology and brand loyalty. Have a good time with your choice.
A lot of this is personal preference after you experiment with a bunch of stuff. I prefer totally odorless/tasteless synthetic oils. Some don't mind a little garnish of kerosene. Some worry about economy. There is some degree of ideology and brand loyalty. Have a good time with your choice.
Gary Merrill
Wessex EEb tuba (Wick 3XL)
Amati oval euph (DE LN106J6Es)
Mack Brass euph (DE LN106J9)
Buescher 1924 Eb, std rcvr, Kelly 25
Schiller bass trombone (DE LB/J/J9/Lexan 110, Brass Ark MV50R)
Olds '47 Standard trombone (mod. Kelly 12c)
Wessex EEb tuba (Wick 3XL)
Amati oval euph (DE LN106J6Es)
Mack Brass euph (DE LN106J9)
Buescher 1924 Eb, std rcvr, Kelly 25
Schiller bass trombone (DE LB/J/J9/Lexan 110, Brass Ark MV50R)
Olds '47 Standard trombone (mod. Kelly 12c)