Author Topic: White lead?  (Read 3093 times)

J.D.

  • Guest
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.

Offline Collector

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 993
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?    ???

Offline rick landes

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 404
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.
“No free man shall ever be de-barred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain their right to keep and bear arms is as a last resort to protect themselves against tyranny in government." Thomas Jefferson

Offline albert

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 341
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.
j albert miles

J.D.

  • Guest
Re: White lead?
« Reply #4 on: March 01, 2009, 03:07:47 AM »
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.