A researcher friend of mine has done some controlled experiments with the refrig service pump oils (e.g. Robinair or J/B) and found that the vapor pressures are a tad higher than a "quality" industrial pump oil like Inland 19. The difference in actual operation was in the range of a few microns improvement with a good pump and with a fresh oil change. Bottom line is that you probably won't notice the difference between the HVAC distributor's product and what you'd buy from a vacuum supplier.
Don't use steel wool on anything. Also don't use sandpaper. Both will leave particles and junk. Scotchbrite works well for polishing and is frequently used in vacuum work (just make sure you wash off any residue). A preferred solvent is isopropyl alcohol and pure soap (avoid the lemon scented stuff or anything with skin softening oils) and water works great.
Steve
Steve
Created on Wednesday, March 14, 2001 7:11 PM EDT by Steve Hansen