Raven turntable owners:oiling & what type?


It seems the instructions for oiling the axle/bearing/bearing well indicate a very small amount of oil. I've found extra oil is needed to allow the platter to be more smoothly laid into place and lifted off for cleaning and re-oiling. Too little, and things dry out. What has been your experience with this, and do any of you use a brand or type of oil different from that supplied by TW Acustic? If so, how does it compare regarding effectiveness?
opus88
Since you aren't approaching Jeff C with this question I assume you bought used? Anyway, TW now uses a heavier lube which is sort of yellow in color and in a plastic squeeze bottle. It should last quite a while and of course the amount of TT use time will determine how often to lube. I use mine about 15 hrs each week and I lube once every 4 months. There was a spray lube in a metal canister a few years ago which TW shipped with their tables and it was quite light in viscosity and I found this to dry up if not Re-lubed every 5 or 6 months. If your TT is new, you will find the fit of the platter over the bearing to be very tight and you will be tempted to use more grease than recommended. This will ease over time and use as the bearing and platter thrust plate get acquainted.
Thanks Elinor. I did originally purchase new from Jeff, and previously raised the same point with him on how much oil should be used. He indicated no problem with using more oil if desired. You confirmed my experience of the very tight fit of the platter over the bearing, and I thank you for mentioning "This will ease over time and use as the bearing and platter thrust plate get acquainted". This was my main concern. Though I too have the yellow oil in the plastic squeeze bottle, I am curious whether any others have found success and satisfaction using a different brand/type with their Raven[s].