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Author Topic: White lead?  (Read 3092 times)

J.D.

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White lead?
« on: February 28, 2009, 07:57:45 PM »
I  have a near full can of what we used to refer to as "white lead". The brand name on the can is "Motor Mica". Does anyone know what the composition of Motor Mica might be? I'm don't know if it might be lead carbonate that might be of use as a dryer in BLO, or a derivative of the mineral, mica.

An internet search didn't turn up any information on the composition of Motor mica, so my best recourse is to turn the the knowledgeable folks on the forum.

Thanks,
J.D.
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Offline Collector

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Re: White lead?
« Reply #1 on: February 28, 2009, 08:03:14 PM »
Not sure, but it sounds like an old industrial lubricant to me.  I can remember packing shaft end-bearings on old  electrical motors with a 'white' colored grease.  Care to open the package to find out?    ???
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Offline rick landes

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Re: White lead?
« Reply #2 on: February 28, 2009, 08:35:32 PM »
I remember from reading the plans for an 1860's 6 pounder cannon that white lead was what was called for for the thru bolts in the carriage assembly. To me what you have sounds like white lithium grease.
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Offline albert

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Re: White lead?
« Reply #3 on: February 28, 2009, 09:03:59 PM »
white lead is a lubricant that you used on the tip of a dead center in the tailstock of a metal lathe, now days most people use live centers.
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j albert miles

J.D.

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Re: White lead?
« Reply #4 on: March 01, 2009, 03:07:47 AM »
Quote from: albert on February 28, 2009, 09:03:59 PM
white lead is a lubricant that you used on the tip of a dead center in the tailstock of a metal lathe, now days most people use live centers.

Yep, that's what it was used for. This stuff is a dry,powdery lube, not a grease.
Thanks,
J.D.
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