OTARI Capstan Oil...

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miroslav

miroslav

Cosmic Cowboy
You Otari guys....what are you using to oil the capstan bushing if your deck calls for it?

I've seen all kinds of stuff mentioned on the Interent...but there's no absolute sub that everyone seems to agree on, other than to buy the Otari oil from Precision Motor Works, which I believe is their own substitute and not actual *Otari OEM oil* (though I'm sure it's good stuff)....but they want like $25 for a 1/2 oz.
Yeah, you'll get a few applications out of that 1/2 oz (I have two Otari decks that call for capstan oiling)....but since I'm sure theirs is a substitute for the original....are there other subs out there that are even less expensive and easier to come by?

In my case, I've looked at my Hammond Tone Wheel Generator oil, and it's used for a very similar purpose and seems to be a good substitute (I've got tons of it).
I put that question in to Athan Corp, since they rebuild capstan motors for Otari decks, among other things, and George said he would email me soon.
I didn't want to ask the guys at Precisions Motor Works, because I'm sure they would rather just sell their oil. :)

I can't find any detailed info on the makeup of the Otari oil or the Precision Motors works Oil or the Hammond oil....other than references to it being "synthetic". Some guys say a 5W synthetic motor oil is fine....but in that case, I would just go with my Hammond oil.

Anyway...just curious what others are using.
 
I use Hammond oil on all the oil points on all my machines. Ive never had a bearing failure.
 
Yeah...I'm pretty comfortable with using the Hammond Oil.....it's very high-quality oil for bushings/bearings.
 
Im in the midst of going through a tone wheel generator right now.
 
Just got an email back from George at Athan....and he said the Hammond Oil was fine. He just added that only 2-3 drops on the felt ring is needed, and never flood it with oil or put the oil directly down the shaft, as that would be too much oil and eventually gum up the bearing and seize up the capstan motor.
 
Yeah. thats how Hammond tone generators get their oil. Not directly on the bearing (although a drop there on a long retired piece wont hurt). They have a remote reservoir and the oil migrates to the bearings over wicks. Its pretty cool. Those guys had their shit together.
 
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