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  1. #1
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    Default Best type of oil for a metal lathe?

    I've just finished pulling apart and cleaning my lathe, and wondering what is the best oil for using on the oil nipples that are in various places?

  2. #2
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    Ordinary ISO 60 Hydraulic oil is cheap and available, I buy 20L containers from auto stores.

    You can put real money into buying specialist way oil but i just jam 60 weight everywhere except the spindle, i use 40 weight in there.

    Way lube is more important on mills where it needs to cling to vertical surfaces so stickyness is important.

    How did moving the machine go?

  3. #3
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    Same same. I bought some way lube some time back, thinking I was doing the right thing; however I just use ISO46 or 68 hydraulic oil for all my machines ways and the headstock in the lathe.

    Simon
    Girl, I don't wanna know about your mild-mannered alter ego or anything like that." I mean, you tell me you're, uh, super-mega-ultra-lightning babe? That's all right with me. I'm good. I'm good.

  4. #4
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    Ditto ISO 46

    Did some googling and found this recommended several times.

  5. #5
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    Laidley, SE Qld
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    Default

    I have an oil can next to the lathe that I keep topped up with whatever engine oil I have on hand.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by bob ward View Post
    I have an oil can next to the lathe that I keep topped up with whatever engine oil I have on hand.
    Don't forget to use non detergent oil !
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by caskwarrior View Post
    Ordinary ISO 60 Hydraulic oil is cheap and available, I buy 20L containers from auto stores.

    You can put real money into buying specialist way oil but i just jam 60 weight everywhere except the spindle, i use 40 weight in there.

    Way lube is more important on mills where it needs to cling to vertical surfaces so stickyness is important.

    How did moving the machine go?
    Cheers,
    Yeah, got the lathe in but it took a few friends, lots of beer and 5 hours haha

    now its time to start looking for a milling machine

  8. #8
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    Default

    Thanks for the info guys. It's great to have such knowledgeable people to help out a newbie

  9. #9
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    If you are looking for way oil then try this place. I got 4L from here last time
    "All Things Oil" : 4 Monterey Rd, Dandenong South VIC 3175: 039791 6433


  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by BaronJ View Post
    Don't forget to use non detergent oil !
    What negative effect does detergent oil have?

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Karl Robbers View Post
    What negative effect does detergent oil have?
    The detergent keeps contaminants in suspension, which is fine if the oil is fed through a filter to filter out the contaminants (like in a car engine), but no so good in a non-filter environment (like a manual car gearbox, or lathe). In non detergent oils the contaminants normally sink (or float).
    Cheers.

    Vernon.
    __________________________________________________
    Bite off more than you can chew and then chew like crazy.

  12. #12
    BobL is online now Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Quote Originally Posted by Karl Robbers View Post
    What negative effect does detergent oil have?
    Some interesting threads/comments on PM about this- here are just a few

    ...detergent oils hold contaminants in suspension so that a filter in the system can remove them. In a system with no filter...the contaminants in suspension eventually become a microscopic lapping compound...wearing down the surfaces the oil is supposed to be protecting.
    using non-detergent oil in the gearbox, as detergent oil would foam.....
    Automotive oil is designed for a hot moist working environment where soot, water, and other contaminants held in suspension are taken care of by regular oil changes. Machine tools work at room temperature and the oil is intended to drop moisture and contaminants to the bottom of the sump.
    Naturally any oil is better than no oil but it's a good idea to use the oil reccomended by the equipment's maker.
    If your machine tool has heavy full pressure lubrication to every lube point and a replacable oil filter cartrige, you probably need detergent oil . I've never heard of a Chinese import that does, so you'd probably be best off to NOT hold the abrasive contaminants in suspension, let them fall into the low points of your gearboxes and not keep recirculating them through your gears and bearings.
    My take on it is that in a DIY low use situation the type of oil is less important than plenty of regular lubrication.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by caskwarrior View Post
    Ordinary ISO 60 Hydraulic oil is cheap and available, I buy 20L containers from auto stores.
    So the ISO 60 is ok for the gearboxes as well? (carriage, quickchange and headstock?)
    I need to drain them and refill too

  14. #14
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    Yeah man just put it in everything, forklift, press, lathe, mill, shoes whatever

  15. #15
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    Haha... Ok... I'm planning on making a smoothie when I get home so I'll give it a go in there too!

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