Art Reblitz had me in stitches while reading his piece on the groaning
connecting rods. I have always used gear oil for this application, and
also for the wood bearings for keyframes. These are soaked in the oil
for about two days prior to assembly.

I have noticed on old instruments that there is generally more wear on
the steel shafts than the wood bearings. This I attribute to dust and
grit particles getting stuck on the oiled bearings. The only
preventative remedy is to ensure that only _just_ enough oil is fed
into the oil holes. Too much, and the result is a sticky surface, and
not enough will lead to worn holes and squeaks.

I once had to do a major restoration job on one of my 52-key organs
when the owner had been over enthusiastic with the oil can, and
smothered not only the crankshaft and rods, but the feeder leathers as
well. Operating the organ with a steam engine, sucking steam into the
organ, didn't help either.

John Page