In Mr. Forney's recent MMD contribution, he mentioned that I suggested
beef fat for pitman arm lubrication.  Beef fat or tallow has long been
used as a lubricant where wood comes in contact to metal.  Noted
restorer David Ramey was the one who suggested that I use beef fat or
tallow on the pitman arms.  He told me how he would "render a kidney"
to extract the fat from it.  He said that it was important that the fat
not contain salt which could corrode the metal.

His comments were confirmed by a discussion with long-time machinist
George Carlson, who found the topic discussed in his old machinery
books.  George said that either beef or sheep tallow could be used and
was once available from industrial supply houses.  He said that the old
windmills had wood bearings which were soaked or sometimes boiled in
the tallow.

At the attraction, House on the Rock, the late owner Alex Jordan told
me about an experience with a large water wheel which had a metal shaft
set in wooden bearings.  After trying many modern substances, he found
that only tallow worked.

Tallow is organic and can decompose.  Salt content is a concern.
I also don't know what would happen if someone tried to use petroleum
based products after tallow, or visa versa.  But I _do_ know how annoy-
ing a squeak can be.  The pitman arms on a certain Hupfeld Model A
Phonoliszt-Violina would squeak after a few minutes of playing.
Various lubricants were tried; the success was so-so.  I am open-
minded.  If someone has a superb modern product which has worked for
many hours without squeaking, let us all know!

On a separate note, would someone out there give us a report on the
recent organ rally which was held in North Tonawanda, New York.

Tim Trager
Trager@idt.net

 [ Maple impregnated with beeswax was a popular bearing for a
 [ boat propeller shaft.  -- Robbie