Thread: Oil for Vintage Sewing Machine

I apologize if this has been asked and addressed many times before but I could not find the answers.
Where is the best place to buy oil for my vintage sewing machines?
Is there a specific type I should buy? Any help appreciated.

Thanks Ann

I would like to know also

Sewing machine oil....not 3in1 or any thing else! Available at all fabric stores. Many Quilt shops have it, too.
It is a very pure oil and doesn't leave much residue.

Thanks for the answer. I was wondering too.

I use TriFlow synthetic lubricant - the drip bottle, mostly, but the aerosol version to saturate the inside of a machine and the grease version on any gears that need it.

The liquid evaporates very quickly and leaves PTFE (aka Teflon) behind. It does not yellow and harden and turn into varnish. The grease stays put and it remains a lubricant as long as it's there - it doesn't turn into putty.

Regular sewing machine oil and the Singer lubricant sold for gears are just fine, too. Just don't use 3in1 or WD40 or white lithium grease.

Thank you I will look for it. Thanks Ann

I forgot to say that you can usually find this on eBay, but my favorite vintage sewing machine supplier carries it now - both the drip bottle and the grease in 1/4oz and 3oz tubes.

http://shop.sew-classic.com/4-Oil-Grease-Tools_c6.htm

Originally Posted by thepolyparrot

I use TriFlow synthetic lubricant - the drip bottle, mostly, but the aerosol version to saturate the inside of a machine and the grease version on any gears that need it.

The liquid evaporates very quickly and leaves PTFE (aka Teflon) behind. It does not yellow and harden and turn into varnish. The grease stays put and it remains a lubricant as long as it's there - it doesn't turn into putty.

Regular sewing machine oil and the Singer lubricant sold for gears are just fine, too. Just don't use 3in1 or WD40 or white lithium grease.

This is good advice. Most of the vintage sewing machine owners/refurbishers are using TriFlow or regular clear sewing machine oil. You will want to clean all the old oil and grease out first, with an oil based penetrant like Liquid Wrench or Kroil, then apply new oil and grease.

Joann's sells machine oil...

I use plain mineral oil and Vaseline on the gears. Oh the horror! :)