To Tallow or Talc?

[JWAnderson]

Hi everyone,

 

I've been pondering about the topic of stopper lubrication and was wondering what peoples opinions were about using Tallow (rendered lambs fat) or Talcum powder.

 

I can see advantages to both options; e.g. with Tallow you can effectively 'set and forget' and it does provide some seal in the gaps that can occur between the leather and the pipe.

 

Would be interested to hear other contributors views on this.

 

JA

[Barry Oakley]

Hi everyone,

 

I've been pondering about the topic of stopper lubrication and was wondering what peoples opinions were about using Tallow (rendered lambs fat) or Talcum powder.

 

I can see advantages to both options; e.g. with Tallow you can effectively 'set and forget' and it does provide some seal in the gaps that can occur between the leather and the pipe.

 

Would be interested to hear other contributors views on this.

 

JA

 

I have known an application of neatsfoot oil to stoppers that has successfully revived the seal and the leather.

[ajsphead]

Use a light smearing of vaseline. There shouldn't be any gaps between the leather and stopper. If there are, either the stopper is the wrong way around or it needs releathering.

[Jonathan Thorne]

Hi everyone,

 

I've been pondering about the topic of stopper lubrication and was wondering what peoples opinions were about using Tallow (rendered lambs fat) or Talcum powder.

 

I can see advantages to both options; e.g. with Tallow you can effectively 'set and forget' and it does provide some seal in the gaps that can occur between the leather and the pipe.

 

Would be interested to hear other contributors views on this.

 

JA

 

I know of an organbuilder to use tallow when greasing stoppers and screws and Talcum Powder for leatherwork before using an iron.