I recently told of my technique of oiling these felt brakes [MMD 050630,
"Adjusting Music Roll Spool Friction Brakes"].  It seems I definitely
overstated what I do.  I used the word "saturated with oil or grease."
Someone wrote with concern that oil would sling all over the piano.  Of
course it would, with too much oil.  Actually what I do is not saturate
it but I find a drop or two is sufficient.

Of course no oil is used on any wood.  Someone wondered if I oiled the
crank arms of wind motors.  Of course not!  I go to great pains to
degrease the wood that has had oil on it when I restore things.  However,
a drop or two of oil on felt on wood on a brake is not going to swell
any wood that will deteriorate its function.  If you oil motor arms or
other bushings, you are asking for trouble.

While some folks use fresh new dry felt for brakes, that is fine if you
do not have any problem with paper jitter, but I had that problem and
I solved it the way my mentor instructed me to years ago.  If you don't
have the problem, don't try to fix it.

D.L. Bullock    St. Louis
http://www.pianoworld.us/