Mineral Oil

[JohnU]

Hi gang! Need some help. Can mineral oil be used as a lubricant with model plastics? I’m in the process of assembling the old Visible V-8 Engine with lights and motor! Built one as a kid and and barely got it to function! Fifty years later, I want to try again hopefully with better results! Instructions show using oil on areas that move (didn’t know that as a kid!) but does not say what type. I don’t want to go using just anything that would react and possibly craze or melt the plastic! Got a incomplete vintage kit and a new reissued one without the electrics for parts that I’ve been sitting on and decided to bring it to life! Recommendations will be appreciated!

[Tabbysdaddy]

I think cooking oil would be good, like vegetable oil. 

Edited March 21, 2021 by Tabbysdaddy

[stitchdup]

I wouldn't use cooking oil, its dries up into a sticky mess (former chef speaking from experience)

[Straightliner59]

I would use petroleum jelly. I recall a few old kits recommending that, as lubricant.

[Classicgas]

27 minutes ago, Straightliner59 said:

I would use petroleum jelly. I recall a few old kits recommending that, as lubricant.

I tried that, wrecked the parts.

[peteski]

Interesting, According to https://3dinsider.com/plastic-lubricants/   and https://readingplastic.com/choosing-the-right-lubricant-for-plastic-parts/  mineral oil is ok to use.

In my other hobby (model trains) I use Woodland Scenics Hob-E-Lube white grease. It is plastic compatible.

 

[JohnU]

Thanks Pete for the link! Mineral oil it is. It’s funny, I just read through the newer Revell version of the visible v8 kit and it says to use vegetable oil as a lubricant! But I’ve seen vegetable oil age, dry out and get gummy in a small bowl so, I don’t think I want that going on inside this finished model!

[Straightliner59]

10 hours ago, Classicgas said:

I tried that, wrecked the parts.

I don't know that whatever I used it on was around long enough for that to happen. I just remember seeing it, in an instruction sheet. That is good to know!