Oiling rotary valves

[Tuba5547]

I have recently purchased a4/4 Cervney tuba, with rotary valves. I have always had piston valves, so this new to me.

What type of oil should I use, and method of oiling.

[bisontuba]

https://youtu.be/CE1Gl2Irouc" target="_blank

[Lars Trawen]

I've been told that woodwind key oil is ok for rotary valves. Is this true? Also, isn't it necessary to oil through the tuning slides to lubricate the interior surfaces of the valves? I don't recall this being addressed in the video. Will "regular" valve (piston) oil suffice for this?

Yes, woodwind key oil will do a perfect job for the linkage.
But don't oil the inside of the rotor anytime even with thin piston oil.
According to service advice from Melton/MW it solves the tubing grease that comes into the rotor valves and slow them down.
http://www.melton-meinl-weston.com/care ... horns.html" target="_blank
There is no mechanical contact between the rotor outside and the casing which needs to be oiled.
It's like a free rotating wheel with two bearings.

[Rick Denney]

You can squirt regular valve oil (or ultra-pure lamp oil, or whatever) down the leadpipe as you are working the rotors, and enough will get in there to do what needs to be done. The notion that rotors don't contact the casings is only true when it's true. Oil will help keep it true by minimizing corrosion and deposits. It won't do the inside of the leadpipe any harm, either. That avoids the issue of dissolving slide grease and redepositing it in the valves.

Rick "who can drip oil through the second valve slide without running it down the greasy sides, too" Denney

[Rick Denney]

Seems like that loose of a fit would allow leakage.

It is a liquid seal, but for that to work the valves have to remain wet. That happens naturally while playing, but if they are dry to begin with, they won't seal as well. A shot of valve oil down the leadpipe provides the liquid seal and also the lubricity.

Rick "any debris at all will fill that space" Denney

[Merodach]

I see two types of lamp oil, most are made with paraffin, and then i see "paraffin alternative" which should I use?

[Dan Schultz]

I see two types of lamp oil, most are made with paraffin, and then i see "paraffin alternative" which should I use?

Paraffin is just another word for kerosene. Never seen 'paraffin alternatve'. Ultra-pure is what you want. NOT stuff with citronella.

[Merodach]

Ok thanks for the advice Dan.