In a message dated 5/14/97 6:56:09 AM, you wrote:

<<I was always under the impression that Vaseline (or other petroleum
jellies) were harmful to metals and rubber; and that silicone jellies
were supposed to be much better.

Cindy>>

Well, you may be right. I've been using my Iwata for about five years and the
only thing that I had a problem with (except for dropping the needle and
blunting it all the time) is using diluted ammonia for cleaning it. I found
the inner works corroded away on day and had to replace some parts. Now I use
water or a real airbrush cleaning solution. I forgot about this stuff called
"Super Lube", a teflon-based lube I got at a hobby shop. Comes in a little
tube with a needle-like stem for hitting tiny places with lube. It is better
than vaseline, but I use whatever I can find nearby when in the heat of
creative ferment.
--Paul