[frers-list]Anyone know exactly what the 'oil' is in a marine compass ?

[Courtney Thomas]

On 4/24/2013 3:49 PM, Arthur Kelley wrote:
> While I was dubious (apologies) Ritchie's web site FAQs do state that up until 2001 most used odorless mineral spirits. Now they use a specially named product but state the two can be mixed.
>
> Suunto just says "have it professionally serviced".
>
> West Marine Advisor article also states mineral spirits.
>
> I guess the only suggestion is to buy a good brand and look before you pour!
>
> Art
>
> On Apr 24, 2013, at 9:49 AM, Peter Evans <PEvans@ROGINLAW.com> wrote:
>
>> Mineral spirits (not mineral oil).  West Marine used to sell Ritchie branded product; haven't checked recently.
>>
>> Peter V. Evans
>> Rogin Nassau LLC
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>> firm phone (860) 278-7480
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>>
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>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: frers-list-admin@lists.frers33.com [mailto:frers-list-admin@lists.frers33.com] On Behalf Of Courtney Thomas
>> Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2013 9:43 AM
>> To: frers-list@lists.frers33.com
>> Subject: [frers-list]Anyone know exactly what the 'oil' is in a marine compass ?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Courtney Thomas
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Art. thanks for all the kind assistance.

I see that some of the art supplies businesses sell an odorless mineral 
spirits that has been extra refined for several reasons, so I think I'll 
go with that.

At this point I've  little to lose and besides, it's mineral spirits ! I 
can use it otherwise as well. Not only that if it was unsuitable why 
have the compass
manufacturers used it for so long. Also, why would Suunto, for example, 
keep it a secret, unless it was readily available at a significantly 
lower price elsewhere.

Granted its only a little money, but what if I was in Chile and assumed 
I had to have some some special fluid that was available only from a 
given vendor, not
to mention the freight and delay..............   I've found my ignorance 
to be more than a little expensive   :-)

Sailing is kind of like driving a Mercedes,..... many assume you don't 
care if they rob you while pretending to render you some kind of 
extraordinary service  :-)

Courtney