machine oil on reserve

[MrHixxx 0]

So, what would you use to clean it? Just a small 3/4" area on an interior rib. I have had benzene recommended, but it is hard to find. I have also read naptha (white gasoline) is another option. However, I would like to hear from riggers in the field that have cleaned this type of stain before and what they used. If you are not a rigger with this experience and are looking to interject a bullshit option, please save it for another thread...

thanks, Hixxx

death,as men call him, ends what they call men
-but beauty is more now than dying’s when

[masterrigger1 2]

Jon,
There are two basic types of machine oil.

1. Petroleum based
2. Vegetable based


The first should be cleaned with lighter fluid(Naptha).
Simply wet a cloth with the Naptha and wipe gently until the spot is gone.

The second can be cleaned with mild soap and water.


If unsure of which type you have, try the mild soap and water first.

If that does not work, use the Naptha method.

Cheers,
MEL

Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC
www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

[riggerrob 643]

This reminds me of a conversation with Manley Butler (head of Butler Parachute Systems which specialized in pilot emergency parachutes).
When I pointed out an oil stain on a brand new canopy, Manley replied: "Ignore it, because it will evaporate in a few days."
Clean sewing machine oil only adds a tiny risk of damaging nylon canopy fabric.

Oil only threatens nylon when it is dirty oil dripping out the bottom of an airplane engine. Oil found on hangar floors contains a variety of nasty waters, acids, sediments, ashes and other combustion by products that can dissolve nylon.

In conclusion, since your cleaning solvents will do more damage than clean sewing machine oil, it is wiser to ignore sewing machine oil on nylon fabric, especially delicate canopy fabric.

[DSE 5]

Would this be true of lines as well? A guy was dirt-diving in the packing area and got a small amount of grease from the casters on my lines. I immediately cleaned them off with a dry rag, rubbing them to where the grease is all but invisible. should i be concerned about this breaking down the integrity of my lines? Canopy is brand-new, less than 50 jumps on it, FWIW.

[masterrigger1 2]

***
This reminds me of a conversation with Manley Butler (head of Butler Parachute Systems which specialized in pilot emergency parachutes).
When I pointed out an oil stain on a brand new canopy, Manley replied: "Ignore it, because it will evaporate in a few days."
Clean sewing machine oil only adds a tiny risk of damaging nylon canopy fabric.

Oil only threatens nylon when it is dirty oil dripping out the bottom of an airplane engine. Oil found on hangar floors contains a variety of nasty waters, acids, sediments, ashes and other combustion by products that can dissolve nylon.

In conclusion, since your cleaning solvents will do more damage than clean sewing machine oil, it is wiser to ignore sewing machine oil on nylon fabric, especially delicate canopy fabric.

Quote

Rob,
Any Petro based product has some degree of acid to it making it a potential problem to the fabric.

Also by removing the one spot before it could affect other areas is the smart move here.

On another note, Naptha and mild soap are the products that the fabric manufacturers use and recommend.

Most canopy manufacturers, and my shop, are now using veggie based oil in the machines.

It cleans up very well.

Cheers,
MEL

Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC
www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

• Quote

[riggerrob 643]

Rob,
Any Petro based product has some degree of acid to it making it a potential problem to the fabric.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

A minor risk.
I suspect that machine gun syndrome is a greater risk.
By machine gun syndrome, I mean the oil holding sand and salt against the fabric long enough to grind a hole.