Raven turntable owners:oiling & what type?


It seems the instructions for oiling the axle/bearing/bearing well indicate a very small amount of oil. I've found extra oil is needed to allow the platter to be more smoothly laid into place and lifted off for cleaning and re-oiling. Too little, and things dry out. What has been your experience with this, and do any of you use a brand or type of oil different from that supplied by TW Acustic? If so, how does it compare regarding effectiveness?
opus88
I'm using the supplied yellow oil in the squeeze bottle from TW. I have found I am using it every 6-9 months or so. I have never noticed a 'need' to use it as nothing appears to be drying up but asked Jeff at one point and he said around twice a year was good. I think in another thread someone asked Thomas at TW and he said one a year. I personally have found the supplied oil to work just fine.
I have an original or fairly early model Raven One supplied with Teflon oil spray. Photos of recent models show a round bearing as opposed to my flat one. Also my bearing "fit" seems quite "loose" to me, compared to other turntables I have tried., Maybe the new heavier lube would be better for me. Anyone have any knowledge or experience here? Thanks.
ianlane,

You don't indicate if you purchased the TW new or used. Either way, if the fit of your platter to bearing is very loose it could be the result of having been played dry with insufficient lube for long periods of time. While the new heavier lube now being used by TW could be of some help because of its heavier viscosity I would advise you to contact Jeff Catalano at High Water Sound and discuss it with him.
The UK distributor, suggests a 6 monthly relube, which seems reasonable. That reminds me to do it again. I have never seen any reason to try another and would'nt on principle. If that is what the manufacturer recommens, that is good enough for me, particular when that person is Thomas, who seems to take scrupulous care over all aspects of his tables.