Surface Grinder Spindle Oil?

Andrew McLurkin

Andrew McLurkin

Joined
Aug 31, 1999
Messages
716
I bought a used surface grinder that recommended a spindle oil viscosity of 68 to 70 at Sayboil 100F. I purchased spindle oil from MSC using a chart in the catalogue. The oil I received is visibly thinner (ISO 10: about the thickness of mineral oil) and when I replaced the existing oil the new thinner oil spins out from the front of the spindle.

Can anyone recommend a spindle oil, and does the oil spinning out indicate a problem with the spindle or is it just the thinner oil? The original oil did not leak out, I'm just not sure if it was lubricating the spindle properly.

Any thoughts?
 
Why not call MSC, explain the problem to them. they are good people to deal with, and I am sure they will come up with the right product.
It is possible that they sent you the incorrect oil.
 
Thanks for the reply Mike. I may give it another try. My only concern is that when I purchased the oil I consulted with MSC and they called the manfacturer for a three way call. The representative from the oil company came up with the same oil I did using the MSC chart. I agreee with you about MSC. I've had excellent customer service experiences.

I'm hoping someone on the Forums has some first hand experience with this type of situation.

Thanks again.
 
Hard to tell what the problem is. There might be wear in the bearings, or there might be oil retaining felts or rings missing. You didnt mention the type of oil feed to the spindle, could it be a simple drip cup with a felt wick feed missing? If there is a missing felt wick in the oil cup that holds and tranfers oil to the spindle then the oil will run right through. The thin oil recomendation is based on a tight bearing spec with just enough oil getting there. Obviously it is Not-so-tight anymore, or too much oil is getting in.
 
see above.......you also dont want to put too much in...that can cause a problem when it warms up!
 
Thanks for the replies, it gives me fuel for thought. The machine apparently has bronze bushings and an oil pan under the spindle with a ring that spins around and splashes oil in the housing. The pan has a gravity feed filler cup that creates its own level. I ordered spindle oil that is a little thicker in the 20 weight range, and I'm hoping it will do the trick. Who knows? :rolleyes:

Any other suggestions?
 
Thats a fascinating set up you describe, oil pan and all. Now that I think about it, it makes sense for that high speed spindle. Its hard to visualize with out a pic, but If the oil is coming out the front end of the spindle/bearing retainer/cap then I wonder if there is not a oil ring hidden somewhere. If it is an older piece of equipment it might be a thin leather or fiber seal.
 
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