Lube suggestions for Velbon Mag Slider focusing rail
Feb 4, 2019 08:26:00 #
Hey everyone, I use a Velbon Mag Slider for focus stacking, chiefly outdoor subjects. It works well unless it's cold outside, then the gear mechanism gets so stiff it's impossible to advance. I assume this is the result of poor/improper lubrication. Assuming I can disassemble this thing and re-lube it, any advice as to what sort of grease would be most appropriate? Do I have to remove the old lubricant? Any advice appreciated---
Feb 4, 2019 08:38:40 #
Cold thickens the existing lube.
Most lubes will thicken when it's cold.
If you do put a different lube on it, make sure it is has a very low viscosity.
As for removing the old lube, ideally yes, but probably not as the lubes will eventually mix.
I would only disassemble it to remove as much of the old lube (which is probably not a lot) as I could.
Most lubes will thicken when it's cold.
If you do put a different lube on it, make sure it is has a very low viscosity.
As for removing the old lube, ideally yes, but probably not as the lubes will eventually mix.
I would only disassemble it to remove as much of the old lube (which is probably not a lot) as I could.
Feb 4, 2019 08:43:39 #
Feb 4, 2019 08:44:52 #
Feb 4, 2019 08:53:17 #
olemikey
Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida
Silicone oil/silicone grease might do the trick. You can get many different viscosities from ultra thin to packable grease. On-line hobby shop/outlets would carry it under the guise of shock absorber fluid or gear differential oil/grease. Another would be lithium grease - you can get that from Walmart/Ace/Tractor Supply, Lowes/ Home Depot, auto parts stores and others. For the silicone oil/grease, Walmart, Auto Parts stores, Home Depot, Tower Hobbies, A-Main Hobbies, Local Hobby Shop. Something with the consistency of vaseline would probably work well.
Feb 4, 2019 08:55:56 #
I am a what is known as a lubrication engineer (Retired). I think that you need a light viscosity oil such gun or sewing machine oil. Gun oil is used in the military for lubrication weapons in all climates. Note that waxes actually become thicker and harder in extreme cold
Feb 4, 2019 08:56:59 #
Feb 4, 2019 09:00:52 #
Simple paraffin is a non-volatile lub and does not attract grit from dirty air.
There is a possibility of differential contraction of metals.
If it is generously lubed in the gear section, the hardening of grease in the gears may be a problem. this is not a high load high-speed gear system, so simple lube invisible to the eye is sufficient to prevent binding. Also at times, plastics are used for bearings and maybe temp affected.
The best way is to sit sip coffee and play with the unit to see if things look like the problem... analysis of the unit may show the problem.
Have you called the manufacturer and asked to talk to an engineer? A customer service person will feed you BS which tends to make your thinking bind up.
There is a possibility of differential contraction of metals.
If it is generously lubed in the gear section, the hardening of grease in the gears may be a problem. this is not a high load high-speed gear system, so simple lube invisible to the eye is sufficient to prevent binding. Also at times, plastics are used for bearings and maybe temp affected.
The best way is to sit sip coffee and play with the unit to see if things look like the problem... analysis of the unit may show the problem.
Have you called the manufacturer and asked to talk to an engineer? A customer service person will feed you BS which tends to make your thinking bind up.
Feb 4, 2019 09:14:07 #
Feb 4, 2019 09:18:29 #
Feb 4, 2019 09:31:58 #
I think Sodapop, our retired lubrication engineer, has the best advice. I think a low viscosity oil like "Wahl hair clipper" oil would also work well. You can purchase a lifetime supply (4 ounces) for under $5 bucks at any beauty supply shop.
Feb 4, 2019 09:58:24 #
olemikey
Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida
James Van Ells wrote:
Would graphite work under these conditions?
Certainly would.
Feb 4, 2019 11:13:01 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
James Van Ells wrote:
Would graphite work under these conditions?
Graphite or powdered Teflon could work, if they will stay where they need to be. Just make sure to remove ALL other lubricant before using graphite. Not sure what word to use to describe the gummy mess that results when graphite and oil mix together.
There is also a suggestion to use WD-40. Be careful with that. WD-40 is a solvent, not a lubricant. It is useful for cleaning the old hardened lubricant away, and sometimes remnants of that softened lubricant will give the illusion that life is now good. But WD-40 by itself will eventually evaporate and is not a long-term lubricant.
Feb 4, 2019 11:46:41 #
sodapop wrote:
I am a what is known as a lubrication engineer (Retired). I think that you need a light viscosity oil such gun or sewing machine oil. Gun oil is used in the military for lubrication weapons in all climates. Note that waxes actually become thicker and harder in extreme cold
Feb 4, 2019 13:40:36 #
Amen to Larry! WD-40 is made from fish oil, small molecular weight lubricants remove larger molecular weight lubricants. Fish oil goes rancid quickly and was originally developed to loosen frozen and gummed up locks. As a general use lubricant it is not a good choice.
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