Brett Manyluk Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Hello all... I decided to pull apart my sled and do a little cleaning. I currently have a modified EFP. When it comes to the gimbal, I went back through the archives and checked on recommendations for lubricants. I just wondered if there were any updates or suggestions. I am concerned about finding a readily available lubricant here in Canada, and one that is rated into extreme cold. By that I mean down to the -30, -40 celcius range. Of course it must also be great at +35 celcius for summer/interior use too. Does anyone recommend lubricating the needle bearings in the yoke? Or is this unneccesary? Any other general tuning advice for the old EFP gimbal is much apprecated. Thanks, Brett Manyluk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brett Manyluk Posted February 10, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2006 Anyone? Bueller? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Brad Hruboska Posted February 10, 2006 Premium Members Report Share Posted February 10, 2006 Brett I use that light Ari oil. Usually you can beg some off of a rental house...Use the finest oil you can or the bearing swill ( an I have found this out the hard way) will feel sticky and slow. I also used to use graphite spray lube on my arm cables to reduce wear friction there. Oh and a little grease on your gear rack for your stage helps hugely as well. Basically fast spinnign things use light oil, scrrews and gears use a light white grease... Brad Hruboska Anyone? Bueller? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobgilles Posted February 10, 2006 Report Share Posted February 10, 2006 Cleaning is the key with gimbals, I use no residue contact spray and inspect with jewelers eyeglasses, then apply one/two drops of Panavision machine oil. Panavision gives it to anyone renting the high speed Panastar and gives it to all AC's for free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BRIANBUSBY Posted February 10, 2006 Report Share Posted February 10, 2006 try taking the bearings to a local watch/clock maker and asking them to put them in their ultra sonic cleaner then re oil them with a fine watch/clock oil brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Brant S. Fagan SOC Posted February 10, 2006 Premium Members Report Share Posted February 10, 2006 Gents-- As I own several gimbals, have rebuilt dozens of gimbals, and have recently designed and manufactured my own unit, I have some recommendations. 1. Clean that gimbal often, perhaps once a month or more if working in dust and grit filled environments. 2. Keep a supply of your chosen lube with you at all times. 3. If you lube your own gimbal, try using less than one "standard" drop as over time whatever lube installed will lead to the collection of material within your bearing(s). 4. Check all fastenings on your gimbal daily or weekly. This is critical with the fork fasteners. 5. Secure and pad your gimbal during shipments. Especially airborne trips! By taking a few steps to care for your gimbal, your work will improve as the most important moving part of your system performs as it was designed. Good luck. Best, Brant S. Fagan, SOC Steadicam/Camera Operator 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brett Manyluk Posted February 11, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2006 Thanks all, I very much appreciate it. Brett Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.