I work in a Bernina shop, and what they specify is Velocite 6 for newer machines, and Velocite 10 for older. In practice we put the 6 in everything, but the slightly thicker 10 is probably better for most vintage machines.
Lily White sewing machine oil has been the standard for industrial machines in the US forever.
It is sold in gallons for machines that I have oil pans underneath that pump the oil through the machine. Clearly, now production Shop is going to want to take the time to handle a machine, so this is a solution.
I agree, a TriFlow literally stinks, it’s ridiculously expensive, it doesn’t really give you any advantage over sewing machine oil; which, for most machines is the original specifications. If it was good enough, when they were new machines, it’s certainly good enough now.
On a sidenote, I like to use oil bottles that have a about a 1 mm brass spout on them. It’s easy to control the flow, get into small areas, and control where it goes.
I'd say it doesn't matter as long as you service your machine regularly. Of course, you should only use oils specialized for sewing machine. But what's even more important is that you're listening to the sound your machine makes, control that it goes smoothly and just add some extra oil when it's time.
Whoever downvoted tri-flow, plz explain. My understanding is that this stuff is great, and does not leave residue as it dries.
I know the tried-n-true recommendation is for clear oil, but I am curious if tri-flow oil was introduced after the community signed off of anything but clear (after dealing with the consequences of oil deposits)
I didn't down vote it, but TriFlow literally stinks! I've found SuperLube to be far superior and it's fully synthetic; Tri Flow is not. Both have teflon. TriFlow in my opinion makes the entire room smell for a month; Super Lube oil (or grease, for gears) does not.
Yes, but do not use 3-in-One oil on precision machinery, which sewing machines qualify as. 3-in-One is great for garden tools, door hinges, rust prevention, but not for lubing close-tolerance machines.
3 in 1 is really not that good of an oil. It goes rancid, and gums up over time.
If you want tight tolerance lubrication a light, clear machine oil like what comes in zoom spouts is much better suited. For grease I tend to use superlube. WD-40 shouldn’t ever be used in a sewing machine, but it is great at preventing rust if paired with an oil for any hinges. For bikes use a dedicated chain lube like Finish Line.
Trying to get all use cases with a single product is madness.
I asked because 3 in 1 oil was always used for sewing machines. It is machine oil, but not what you would call industrial strength. I’ve seen it sold in a very long time. I was just wondering if it was still made & sold. And it’s called “3 in 1” oil.
The company name and the product name is spelled "3-in-One". The universally recommended lubrication for sewing machines is generically called "sewing machine oil" and since that is not especially helpful---too generic---I have always recommended the Singer-branded oil which is trustworthy and very easy to get. BTW, as a bicycle mechanic i have seen several bike hubs *disabled* by gummed up 3-in-One. Would never use it in a sewing machine.
Use only clear sewing machine oil and you'll be good. Some gears need a bit of grease.
I personally use BlueCreeper SMO Lily white is another good option.
I work in a Bernina shop, and what they specify is Velocite 6 for newer machines, and Velocite 10 for older. In practice we put the 6 in everything, but the slightly thicker 10 is probably better for most vintage machines.
Lily White sewing machine oil has been the standard for industrial machines in the US forever. It is sold in gallons for machines that I have oil pans underneath that pump the oil through the machine. Clearly, now production Shop is going to want to take the time to handle a machine, so this is a solution. I agree, a TriFlow literally stinks, it’s ridiculously expensive, it doesn’t really give you any advantage over sewing machine oil; which, for most machines is the original specifications. If it was good enough, when they were new machines, it’s certainly good enough now. On a sidenote, I like to use oil bottles that have a about a 1 mm brass spout on them. It’s easy to control the flow, get into small areas, and control where it goes.
Most older machines were made to be regulated with whale oil. only issue is whaling was banned in 86
I'd say it doesn't matter as long as you service your machine regularly. Of course, you should only use oils specialized for sewing machine. But what's even more important is that you're listening to the sound your machine makes, control that it goes smoothly and just add some extra oil when it's time.
Tri-Flow
Whoever downvoted tri-flow, plz explain. My understanding is that this stuff is great, and does not leave residue as it dries. I know the tried-n-true recommendation is for clear oil, but I am curious if tri-flow oil was introduced after the community signed off of anything but clear (after dealing with the consequences of oil deposits)
I didn't down vote it, but TriFlow literally stinks! I've found SuperLube to be far superior and it's fully synthetic; Tri Flow is not. Both have teflon. TriFlow in my opinion makes the entire room smell for a month; Super Lube oil (or grease, for gears) does not.
> TriFlow in my opinion makes the entire room smell for a month then > TriFlow oil ... does not huh?
Ooops! Thank you, I fixed it; that should have been Super Lube oil...does not.
Do they still make 3 in 1 oil?
Yes, but do not use 3-in-One oil on precision machinery, which sewing machines qualify as. 3-in-One is great for garden tools, door hinges, rust prevention, but not for lubing close-tolerance machines.
Yes. In Futurama they make π in 1 oil
3 in 1 is really not that good of an oil. It goes rancid, and gums up over time. If you want tight tolerance lubrication a light, clear machine oil like what comes in zoom spouts is much better suited. For grease I tend to use superlube. WD-40 shouldn’t ever be used in a sewing machine, but it is great at preventing rust if paired with an oil for any hinges. For bikes use a dedicated chain lube like Finish Line. Trying to get all use cases with a single product is madness.
I asked because 3 in 1 oil was always used for sewing machines. It is machine oil, but not what you would call industrial strength. I’ve seen it sold in a very long time. I was just wondering if it was still made & sold. And it’s called “3 in 1” oil.
The company name and the product name is spelled "3-in-One". The universally recommended lubrication for sewing machines is generically called "sewing machine oil" and since that is not especially helpful---too generic---I have always recommended the Singer-branded oil which is trustworthy and very easy to get. BTW, as a bicycle mechanic i have seen several bike hubs *disabled* by gummed up 3-in-One. Would never use it in a sewing machine.