Hi Joe,
The oil samples are in clear "watch glasses", with a loosely fitting, clear, perforated, covering. The samples are upon a south facing bay window so that they are exposed to sunlight, open air, UV rays, and normal daily temperature changes. Solvent evaporation and oxidation can occur normally. When I stated that regular sewing oil is good enough for old, sm, I didn't mean to imply that I was looking for 100 year old oil to apply to my sm. A modern, plain sewing machine oil is far better than any oil that was available in the past. This is the reason for the research, I will know that the oils that I use are non gumming, at least during the span of my observation.
John

I was told that some of the sewing machine oils have paraffin and that can make them gum up.

This is really interesting. I'm glad you are doing it.

Then you don't want to use Tri-Flow, it has paraffin in it too.
http://www.paintdocs.com/docs/webPDF...pe=MSDS&lang=E

I agree. I'd like to see the outcome of this experiment. How long are you thinking of letting it sit?

Isn't paraffin a good thing though? *

*I'm not a chemist.

(great gobs, I cannot resist...)

Paraffin is WICKed!!!

Really, you can't hold a candle to it.

I wax poetic about paraffin.

(sorry guys... I thought the day needed some levity. :p)

:D I loved it!

Silly thing. :p

I know there is paraffin wax ... but isn't that different ... oh never mind. I was just pretty sure that paraffin was more than just a wax.

Still... wax on... wax off

Years and years, there is no end in sight.
John

Then in that case, I'd be interested in a periodic update. ;)