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+-- Thread: What Lubricant For My Lathe (/showthread.php?tid=7336612)
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What Lubricant For My Lathe - crokett™ - 01-20-2018
I tore down my lathe today. It's an older Delta, built sometime in the 80s I think. The speed adjustment is a handle that moves a reeves pulley up and down on a slide. I've taken it apart and am in the process of cleaning all the moving parts to get it operating more smoothly. Here's the reeves assembly. the assembly travels up and down on a piece of round bar stock that goes through those two large holes. When I re-assemble it, what's the best lubricant? I don't want to use oil or grease because it's a lathe and will attract dirt. I'd also like something that can be a rust inhibitor, if possible.
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RE: What Lubricant For My Lathe - chips ahoy - 01-20-2018
When I had my first lathe with Reeves drive.When I tore it down to clean it I usually sprayed it with white lithium grease.Would also give it a shot every so often.Seemed to work great.
Mel
RE: What Lubricant For My Lathe - Cecil - 01-20-2018
The ShopSmith manual says to use a sewing machine oil, just 1 or two drops on their Reeves pulley.
RE: What Lubricant For My Lathe - Stwood_ - 01-21-2018
I use parafin wax on things like that. Sliding shafts, drawer glides, etc
RE: What Lubricant For My Lathe - Arlin Eastman - 01-21-2018
(01-20-2018, 09:20 PM)Cecil Wrote: The ShopSmith manual says to use a sewing machine oil, just 1 or two drops on their Reeves pulley.
^^^
What he said or it is also called light machine oil. Make sure the surface is rust free and then apply the oil and wipe it with a dry cloth afterwards to remove and standing oil. Then do so every 4 to 6 months and make sure you do the ways and all the other surfaces also on a regular basis.
For me I take the high speed air grinder with a 3" roloc green disc and remove everything off of it. I then put on a coat of paste wax and buff it up with the same system the 3" roloc felt disc and it will really set the wax in and then I apply another coat after that.
RE: What Lubricant For My Lathe - crokett™ - 01-21-2018
I was/am lubing the slide that the reeves travels on, not the reeves itself. For the Reeves I have some light oil. I ended up with moly grease on the recommendation of Timberwolf for lubrication and rust protection.
RE: What Lubricant For My Lathe - Stanley McMahan - 01-21-2018
(01-20-2018, 05:44 PM)crokett™ Wrote: I tore down my lathe today. It's an older Delta, built sometime in the 80s I think. The speed adjustment is a handle that moves a reeves pulley up and down on a slide. I've taken it apart and am in the process of cleaning all the moving parts to get it operating more smoothly. Here's the reeves assembly. the assembly travels up and down on a piece of round bar stock that goes through those two large holes. When I re-assemble it, what's the best lubricant? I don't want to use oil or grease because it's a lathe and will attract dirt. I'd also like something that can be a rust inhibitor, if possible.
I’ve worked with precision American and Swiss lathes for 35 years. Without exception, all current documentation and manufacturers of the machine tools I use recommend Mobil Velocite 22 Spindle oil for fast moving bearings and parts and Mobil Vactra Way oil for cross slides etc...
Of course, for the woodworking lathe headstocks, Spindle oil would be all that is needed.
https://www.mcmaster.com/#13595K71
Just my $.02 worth to add to the already great responses.
RE: What Lubricant For My Lathe - Timberwolf - 01-25-2018
(01-21-2018, 08:35 PM)Stanley McMahan Wrote: I’ve worked with precision American and Swiss lathes for 35 years. Without exception, all current documentation and manufacturers of the machine tools I use recommend Mobil Velocite 22 Spindle oil for fast moving bearings and parts and Mobil Vactra Way oil for cross slides etc...,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Of course, for the woodworking lathe headstocks, Spindle oil would be all that is needed.
https://www.mcmaster.com/#13595K71
Just my $.02 worth to add to the already great responses.
I use full synthetic engine oil for spindle bearings on my vintage metal lathes and Vactra for the ways, but any lubrication is better than no lubrication.
,,I have had one metal lathe for fifty years..it wasn't "vintage" when I bought it..... 
RE: What Lubricant For My Lathe - Stwood_ - 01-29-2018
(01-25-2018, 09:06 PM)Timberwolf Wrote: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
it wasn't "vintage" when I bought it.....
Yea, but you were, Dad.
Crazy software. I just got notice you posted this 4 days ago. Time warp?
RE: What Lubricant For My Lathe - Timberwolf - 01-29-2018
(01-29-2018, 09:47 AM)Stwood_ Wrote: Yea, but you were, Dad........................
Crazy software. I just got notice you posted this 4 days ago. Time warp?
Yes, and you weren't even a "twinkle in the eye", you bum!!!!!!!