Cecilia S.

This has been fascinating, hearing everyone's different experiences. So, here is what I am thinking:

High-grade petroleum oils That's excellent quality sewing machine oil
Formulated solvents Not sure which solvent/s are in Tri Flow, but the discussions so far say that solvents are great for freeing up seized parts, helping to loosen rust, however, be careful around finishes, and also be sure that the solvent is wiped from the surface before re-oiling.
Special additives Presumably this is the PTFE, or in street-speak: Teflon.

So, Tril Flow's solvents will un-seize your machine, and at the same time, it will oil it and give it extra smoothness with the teflon. This all fits with much of the anecdotal evidence which has been written on this thread, and elsewhere.

However, I still have reservations about using it as a regular oil, because:

a) The knowledgeable folks who write about using certain solvents warn that often (depending on the solvent; e.g. kerosene, also some of what is in WD40) the solvent must be wiped away completely or else it will interfere with the subsequent oiling. So, I wonder if the Tri Flow may work well -in spite- of itself; that is, would it perhaps be better to use a solo solvent to de-rust and de-seize, and then follow with simply a high grade oil and solo liquid Teflon or solo liquid graphite? That is a genuine question and I really would love to hear what you think. (Vridar? You seem to know a fair bit about this!)

b) I did personally experience Tri Flow lifting black paint from an old Singer. So, I am wary of using it indiscriminately.

All that said, I do realize that many here are very loyal to Tri Flow and I sure don't mean to get anyone's back up! I also praise TriFlow, for it did un-seize some stuck bits for me. I just think perhaps that for me, it is best used for that special purpose only, and regular SM oil for regular oilings.

Enjoying all the information. :-)