Mill Lubrication?

Michael J. Spangler

Michael J. Spangler

Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
2,181
alright so what do you guys use? someone told me to use some silicone spray, but that stuff seems like it gets sticky on the ways.
what do you guys suggest? i can get way oil. but is there anything specific to look for?
and what about the little oil fittings? same stuff in there? thanks a lot guys
 
Michael J. Spangler said:
alright so what do you guys use? someone told me to use some silicone spray, but that stuff seems like it gets sticky on the ways.
what do you guys suggest? i can get way oil. but is there anything specific to look for?
and what about the little oil fittings? same stuff in there? thanks a lot guys
Click to expand...
I use light weight Remington gun oil in the fittings. Also on the ways of my lathe. Seems to work very well.
 
Why use anything other than way oil? That's what it is made for. I like the Mobil medium way oil (NO. 2). You can get for about $20.00 a gallon from MSC.

Jim
 
yeah.... can't listen to everything you hear.

i read in the manual that 20w non detergent oil is fine for lubrication. i found 30w at the local automotive shop. think that will do?
 
jlmetcalf said:
Why use anything other than way oil? That's what it is made for. I like the Mobil medium way oil (NO. 2). You can get for about $20.00 a gallon from MSC.

Jim
Click to expand...

yeah i just wanted something to use for today... i can get the way oil from a local place tomorrow but as far as today goes i don't want any stickiness when lowering the head of the mill, i figured since they suggested 20w that 30w would be ok too
 
What kind of milling machine do you use ? Usually milling machines have different lubrication needs in different parts. Like the slides..usually its ISO-68 way oil. The J head have different lubrication requirements also. It depends on what the manufacturer of your machine requires. Do you still have the manufacturers manual ?
 
A good rule of thumb is heavy oil for ways (heavy table=heavy oil, less heavy table=less heavy oil), thin oil for spindles, grease for most bearings.

Way oil has specific anti stiction additives you won't find in automotive oils, meaning less stick/slip. Also improved wash out resistance.

Thick oil in a spindle can cause oil starving or over heating. Thin oil doesn't have inferior lubrication properties (a common misconception). Good spindle oil can also be good hydraulic fluid.

Silicon spray is good for cleaning machine tables. WD-40 is good for starting fires.

For ways I use Tru-Edge 68 and Shell Tonna T32. For spindles I use Mobil DTE light.
 
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