Here is more information from my e-mail discussion with Omar: The
woodwind community is loath to change old habits and traditional
materials. Science and experimental evidence not available to these
elders have presented us with a new set of tools and knowledge that
indicate there are better oils, better greases, and better preservatives
for wood and cork than have been used for ages. The old standard key
oil was Nye Clock Oil which originally was the oil from the equilibrium
bulb in the head of a sperm whale (and is copied in some new synthetic
lubricants) but now since whaling is passé they have reverted to a
refined petroleum product. Much of the new synthetic lubricants mimic
the properties of the best inventions given to us by God and Nature. I
believe that a technician should use the best available products in
their work. The increased cost per unit is negligible over time and the
satisfaction greater. The aerospace key oil is indeed much better than any petroleum product. It is synthetic and designed for the vacuum of space so it does not evaporate, has anti-rust and corrosion inhibitors, greater lubricating properties, does not change viscosity -200 to + 500 degrees F, and bonds to the metal surface. The nice thing about the vial is the long hypodermic syringe needle that gives a tiny drop and can be maneuvered into those tight spaces. [25Apr2013] Since the above was written, now Dr. Omar has four kinds of Syntek oil for sale. Here is Omar's response about that:
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