I am restoring a street barrel piano from Spain.  There are several
wood-on-wood and metal-on-wood friction points that should be
lubricated.  Right now, most of these points are just gunked up with
rather dry stuff.

Is tallow the recommended lubricant here?  I'm talking about bearing
ends for the barrel, drive gear, and sliding parts in general.  I am
not talking about the actual piano action.

Is acetone the best thing for removing old grease?  I'm really not sure
what's been applied.  Looks like common axle grease to me; it sure has
gummed things up.  There's no problem in cleaning up the metal parts,
but it would be nice to clean up some wooded parts that look like
they've been soaking in oil and grease since the 1920's.

Thanks
Jim Quashnock