philco:  49-603 solidified grease in tuning vernier mechanism

This interesting compact Philco folds into the shape of a book or small old-style purse when not in use.

The tuning capacitor shaft includes a ball bearing vernier drive reduction system.  Typically, the grease has solidified so that the knob appears to operate on a solid shaft with just 1/2 turn tuning range.  In this condition, tuning is tricky, and the mechanical mounting of the tuning capacitor seems to be too flimsy for the amount of force that needs to be applied against the knob.

The grease can be softened by applying penetrating oil, followed by a lot of rotation of the shaft.  I used a drill to spin the shaft at moderate speed (it is OK to turn beyond the end of the tuning range, at which point the shaft slips as it was designed to) and work the oil into the bearing.  After a few minutes, the oil and grease properly lubricate the vernier system, and the tuning has a much more pleasant feel.  The mechanical reduction of the vernier means that the knob rotates many full turns to get from one end of the tuning range to the other.

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