Presto overhead lubrication and maintenance

[rsimms3]

I recently picked up a 6D that I've been cleaning up. I'm now working on the overhead, cleaning off all the old lubrication etc. What do folks use for lubrication at the center cog and then for the overhead rail? This machine came with an overhead that is a cross between what you would see on a 6D and a 8D (solid bar for the rest/guide, 6D style feedscrew, 8D style overhead). The 6N manual recommends 3 in 1 oil. This machine was ran without proper maintenance to the overhead as the rail is worn down to the brass underneath.

Mine:

[Stevie342000]

This has been discussed on other groups elsewhere.

3-1 is not usually recommended that may be the gunk that you are cleaning off.

Usually recommended is mineral oils such as sewing machine oil which you can pick up easily enough but not for use on motors.

Do a search on eBay for Ampex and or tape machine lubrication Revox G36 is another one I know of that you can get lubricant for.

You will need different oils for different parts i.e. overhead and motor.

Although you could probably get away with using sewing machine oil but some parts get hot so hence the need for a machine oil, which will withstand the temperatures.

As for the cogs in the overhead I would use the sewing machine oil or vaseline or some similar grease, as long as it is sealed and away from dust should be OK.

I am only guessing on the grease side as I can not remember which one to use, perhaps I mean molybdenum grease if you can still get it or something similar.

[chuckthemovieguy]

I have the same Presto 6D but I do not have a base or turntable for it.
What should I be looking for that will fit it properly?

[piaptk]

That is a crazy looking machine... Does the badge say 6D?

[rsimms3]

Yes, it's a 6D table with a "Model A" recorder overhead. I finally figured it out this evening because of the base for the overhead. The base has a mount hole for a microscope as you can see in the picture below. When I first saw pictures of it for sale, I was completely baffled but knew it was a worthwhile purchase. The only difference between the overhead in the picture below and mine is the cover over the cog, and it's missing the time scale, everything else is dead on. It uses 6D feedscrews which is kind of a bummer. This machine came mounted in a custom cabinet with a tilt drawer underneath for storing records and blanks. Once I get it all cleaned and put back together I'll post some pictures.

[rsimms3]

I have the same Presto 6D but I do not have a base or turntable for it.
What should I be looking for that will fit it properly?

Not sure I follow. You have the overhead but not the turntable or just not the platter? You could order the 6D with or without a portable case originally. Mine came in a custom base.

[chuckthemovieguy]

Yes I have the overhead lathe part only. It might be a 6D or a 6A but it is the exact overhead lathe in the 1st photo.
I am looking to attach it to a turntable.
So I guess I am looking for a 6D base

[rsimms3]

I think you can use any Presto 16" turntable, but you might have to use the playback arm spot instead of the overhead spot for mounting. The 6N has the overhead base cast into the turntable on the right side but does have 3 holes for mounting a playback arm on the left side. The overhead we have has a longer stem in the center compared to the overhead on a 6N overhead so you have to take that into consideration related to clearance and a level cutting angle.

75A with three mount screws for the playback arm, could be used to mount overhead


6N table, you would use the tone arm location