ACF-50

[BJMcDonnell SOC]

I just got some ACF 50 and I had some corrosion in some of the Kip handles on my rig. This stuff instantly killed it. ACF-50 ROCKS!

 

BJ McDonnell

[PaulEdwards]

Joe,

 

ACF-50 seems to be OK everywhere except on (natural) rubber.

 

Because it's such a good lubricant, I'm not worried about getting it into any already lubricated areas.

 

Paul

[Brad Grimmett]

I tried ordering some ACF-50 the other day through SanVal and was told they were out. I'll try the manufacturer tommorrow, but I'm wondering if there is another place to order it. Not sure whether I'll be able to get any direct from the manufacturer, so I'm looking for alternatives. I'm shooting a feature in a really dusty and nasty location and could use some quick. Thanks for any info.

[Thomas English]

Paul s earlier "jaws motorcycles" would certainly ship to the states in a hurry.. He seemed incredibly nice to me.

 

So to clarify this.... ACF50 + greese

 

"ACF-50 can be used on all types of plastics, paints and seals without fear of damage." , no mention of greese.

 

I have been repeatedly told by repespected engineers not to mix with greese... please qualify?

[bobgilles]

Paul s earlier "jaws motorcycles" would certainly ship to the states in a hurry.. He seemed incredibly nice to me.

 

So to clarify this.... ACF50 + greese

 

"ACF-50 can be used on all types of plastics, paints and seals without fear of damage." , no mention of greese.

 

I have been repeatedly told by repespected engineers not to mix with greese... please qualify?

[bobgilles]

ACF50 is just the aircraft version of WD40 and is a solvent with added cohesive factors. I believe it is named Air Craft Formula 50 and would easily dissolve grease (especially white lithium grease) pretty quick, Seadoo resells the Marine formula of WD40 and it is regarded as the latest and greatest in this line of super solvents. Sailkote is a very good dry lubricant with a very small molecular structure, it is used in alot of high end applications. If you are really into ACF50, you will love Boeshield T-9, developed by Boeing Aerospace!

 

I have tried them all and believe it or not, the Bombarbier product is the best all round for My Steadicam arm ( I use a low residue contact spray to clean the gimbal), they use it on planes, boats, elecrical, ect ect. It is also easy to find in most cities.

 

[JamieSilverstein]

Bob;

Just curious, what spray do you use on your Gimbal?

I use an electronics cleaner, but I am not totally satisified with the way the Gimbal is responding lately.

[bobgilles]

I use the Panavision lightweight machine oil that they give you for free with the Panastar. If you go to a camera rental house, you should be able to get some, they are used in Mitchells, 2C's and the high speed camera movements. Clean the gimbal with a no residue contact spray and then evenly work in just a drop or so of this machine oil, one trick that helps is too use some cheap jewlers glasses to inspect the bearings and race to make sure that you have really cleaned completely before using the oil, I always notice an improvement immediatly in the GPI gimbal after this procedure.

[Peter Abraham]

How serious is Larry about this stuff? He turned me on to it when I stopped by the Bear Mountain Workshop a bunch of years ago. A CASE of the stuff arrived with bottles, empty spray dispensors and information. He was selling it like a Girl Scout with Snickerdoodles in the trunk.

 

We all went for a quart. Or two.............. B)

[Brant S. Fagan SOC]

Gents--

 

I will SWEAR by the CorrosionX sauce! Used the compound EXTENSIVELY on and after the job I did in Ethiopia and most definately on Third Watch.

 

Smooth stuff for all surfaces and hardware. NOT for Gimbal bearings! My gimbal experience has shown that anything more than 1 SMALL drop of lube is too much, whatever the recipe.

 

Peter, this was the case of goods that Larry was trunk showcasing back at Bear Mountain. CorrosionX.

 

If ACF-50 is like WD-40 in terms of application and performance, than I recommend CorrosionX for Steadicam use for several reasons.

 

1. You want protection, not a film of residue left behind from the product leaving the scene. WD-40 is for water dispersal. Not necessarily a lubricant, but can work like one until it departs.

 

2. CorrosionX is a lubricant, penetrant, and protector all in one. Only leaves the scene by dripping, wiping, or extreme wind effects.

 

Just my .02

 

Brant "You're soaking in it" Fagan

[David George Ellis]

I haven't used the T-9, Bombadier nor the CorrisionX sprays, but if you use anything like ACF-50, it becomes an addictive necessity in your kit.

 

A show I worked on had those lightning gag shutters, but they were making too much noise for sound from all the gack and dead moths. A few sprays and five minutes later, I became a hero to G/E and Sound from this stuff. I mean these guys would eat hot rocks for me after that day. It's the $18 "Hero in a can".

 

The 1st AC brought his buddy's Arri Geared Head and it was acting a little bukkake. I introduced this stuff to him and he had a blast. Almost had to slap it away form him. Great bonding moment. From there, free pass to practice and then shoot with it.

 

That crickety Medeco lock that I used to have to slam shut? No more thanks to ACF-50. I've even used it on the throttle assembly in my Mustang and I have no stickiness when I feather the clutch, let along when I punch it.

 

I wonder if it makes pancakes taste better...