I know this has been discussed and forgive me but I'm a little confused. Most of my confusion is from talking with Mike at VPI. I called VPI years ago to ask what type of lubricant to use, the answer was white lithium grease. ( no mention of any of this in the owner's manual) After my bushings were replaced a few years later with bronze, I inquired as to what oil/grease was recommended. The answer was 40W oil. After reading other posts here, I've read that Mike has recommended Mobil synthetic, I don't ever recall them recommending VPI bearing grease to me or anyone. I'd like to get a definitive answer from VPI users here. Thanks.
Yep, the newer, inverted Bearing use-require grease.
The older, non-inverted, well type bearings used Oil.
When Mike at VPI suggested-recommended an Oil such as Mobil 1, either 5-50W, or 10-30W, he wasn't haphazardly guessing. These synthetic Oils have very good properties making them ideal for use for their Platter Bearings.
If Thom Mackris of Galibier Design were to chime in, or if you went to Galibier's site, you'll get some basic explanations about bearings, basic properties, and that tolerances can often dictate what viscosity of Oil will be needed.
As Thom would probably tell you, with very tight, precise tolerances, one would never be able to successfully use a relatively heavy viscosity Oil, the Bearing would take forever, and a day to fully seat.
That tolerances will dictate what viscosity will ideally work per given bearing. In the case of a VPI conventional non-inverted bearing, when brand new, a lighter Oil may suffice. if the Bearing"s thrust-bushing surfaces have worn, one then might find the need of a slightly heavier viscosity, to lessen rocking-play of the bearing shaft in the well.
There must be a science to this, in that too light, or too heavy just isn't going to cut it. In every instance-application, one will no doubt need to find the Oil that works "just right".
For me, with my VPI MK-IV Bearing, either Mobil 1 10-30W, or 5-30W works just fine. An oil such as 50W, or heavier in my particular Bearing, would never work, unless I sit on the Platter to get it to seat, and you certainly don't want to do that! Mark
Yeah, it can be frustrating, as there is a feeling of security in having one answer to a problem. VPI has never been that kind of company. In their defense, I always get the sense that they are always trying new things, and arriving at a new preference/recommendation, as in the case of lubes. I think there is a positive side to that approach. The most recent recommendation doesn't necessarily mean that the previous one was a bad one. Anyway, I encourage you to try both the grease and the oil, they WILL sound different.
Correct!!! I don't have an invertive bearing! That's my point, I've been recommended by Mike , white lithium grease and 40W oil for a non inverted bearing!!! The problem is,..that VPI has introduced a range of products that can't even be supported by themselves, as far "solid" recommendations to "THEIR" own customers. Cummon'!
Ok, I made the assumption (correctly, I believe), that Slaw does not have an inverted bearing. Mike would never have recommended oil for an inverted bearing, for the reasons mentioned by others. However, grease OR oil can be used in non-inverted bearing wells (bronze bushings), as recommended by VPI at different times. My experince of the effects of the different lubricants I mentioned in my previous post.
I think much of the confusion revolves around the inverted bearing type vs the well type. My understanding is that the well types require oil such as mobile 1 or as Mike recommended on my HW-19 and TNT, Tufoil. The inverted types require something such grease with won't roll of the shaft due to gravity. This is just my opinion and not an expert one at that. Dave
the link i posted to aries owners manual i found from google search.
i think vpi is pretty great company with great product and i own one of their tables for about 10 yrs....but not so great user manuals. seems to be there is an inverse relationship between the info provided in the owner manual and the expense of the table...go figure. maybe vpi figures for expensive tables dealer will set up and explain? also they are none too easy...or hard...to get in touch with, but they have always answered all of my questions with good workable advice.
There is no definitive answer. Lithium grease, motor oil, trick oils (vdH, etc.), will all "work" to varying degrees. I have tried them all, and guess what? They all sound different. Your particular set-up will dictate which one works best. The thicker ones (grease), will be quieter, but will drag the platter down more, and sound slightly less dynamic; but are probably best if you have noticeable play in your bearing well (not uncommon with VPI's)). Thinner oils will usually allow for freer motion of your platter, and sound more dynamic, and a little brighter. Oil was, for my set-up, essential for use of a flywheel. Grease was simply too "draggy" for use of a flywheel, and would cause speed fluctuation.
There is no one solution. Experiment, and see which one sounds/works best for you. Good luck.
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