JohnU Posted March 21, 2021 Share Posted March 21, 2021 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tabbysdaddy Posted March 21, 2021 Share Posted March 21, 2021 (edited) I think cooking oil would be good, like vegetable oil. Edited March 21, 2021 by Tabbysdaddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stitchdup Posted March 21, 2021 Share Posted March 21, 2021 I wouldn't use cooking oil, its dries up into a sticky mess (former chef speaking from experience) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straightliner59 Posted March 21, 2021 Share Posted March 21, 2021 I would use petroleum jelly. I recall a few old kits recommending that, as lubricant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Classicgas Posted March 21, 2021 Share Posted March 21, 2021 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteski Posted March 21, 2021 Share Posted March 21, 2021 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnU Posted March 22, 2021 Author Share Posted March 22, 2021 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straightliner59 Posted March 22, 2021 Share Posted March 22, 2021 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.