[will]

So my new conical is awesome and bubbling away as I type. But is there a way to make turning the arm for samples and racking easier? I loosened the clamp but it still is tough. Would a food grade lubricant be a realistic way to make it easier next time?

[corkybstewart]

I've found that turning the racking tube down or at least horizontal before I close the fermenter works great.  If you have it pointed up to start the tube will fill with sediment.  I've had my conical for 7 or 8 years now and by using a trub dump about 3 days into primary and then a long primary I almost never fill the cone with enough sediment to get sucked out through the racking tube even with it pointed straight down.
But to actually answer your question I guess it might, I've never had a problem as long as I have the hard gasket properly seated.

[a10t2]

Are these TC fittings? If so you'll want to use a white Teflon gasket, not the black rubber ones.

[will]

I have the white gasket in the position closest to the cone. The arm seems to still be tough to position. Maybe I'm not loosing it enough.

[gmwren]

Are these TC fittings? If so you'll want to use a white Teflon gasket, not the black rubber ones.

What's your source for the Teflon gasket?

[a10t2]

For little stuff like that I usually use stpats.com - looks like they're $1.50-$4.00 depending on size.

[denny]

For little stuff like that I usually use stpats.com - looks like they're $1.50-$4.00 depending on size.

Just be careful what you say or they'll accuse you of being a Taliban and ban you from buying from them!