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  1. #1
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    Default A thread about oil. With a question.

    Hello team.
    As a new owner of a Hercus 9A, I’ve been keen to determine the correct lubricant for the spindle and the ways.
    I’ve read everything.
    It seems that for the spindle, Mobil Velocite #10 is as close to ‘recommended’ as you can get. This is a pretty light oil (ISO 22), compared with what I would have put in there intuitively, which would have been a low-cost, 20W50 motor oil (trap for young players, right there).
    The Velocite is recommended for “High speed spindle bearings in machine tools and equipment where high speeds and fine clearances are involved” and the #10 is the heaviest, at ISO 22.
    In itself, it’s not that pricey but you have to buy 20 litres at a time :/
    Next, lubricating the ways. Once again, there is a ‘recommended’ oil for this job and that’s (if we stick with Mobil for the time being) is Vactra. “Mobil Vactra Oil #1 and #2 are recommended for horizontal slideways on small to medium size machine tools”.
    #1 is ISO 32 and #2 is ISO 68. I’d choose the #1.
    Once again, only 20 litres at a time – starting to add up to a third of the cost of my lathe lol.
    In circumstances where there might be cross-contamination (among other things), there is a ‘recommended’ oil suitable for both jobs, and that’s Vacuolene (if we continue to stick with Mobil), which comes in 2 grades; #1405 & #1409. “Mobil Vacuoline Oil 1405 and 1409 are special oils for machine tools which need one common lubricant for both the slideways and hydraulic system”.
    #1405 is ISO 32 and #1409 is ISO is 68. (spot the similarity with Vactra) I’d choose the #1405.
    FYI;
    ISO 22 is the equivalent of SAE 5W,
    ISO 32 is the equivalent of SAE 10W,
    ISO 68 is the equivalent of SAE 20W.
    I have a question:

    • Does moving up from a viscosity of ISO 22 to ISO 32 sound like an acceptable idea on the spindle of a 50 year old Hercus, if it allows me a ‘correct’ oil for both spindle and ways?

    (I know I should experiment and see how fast lighter and heavier oil ‘runs out’ of my spindles, but that’s why I need you blokes, with your real-world experience).
    If you are still reading, thanks a lot for your attention.

  2. #2
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Default

    This topic has been "done to death"

    My interpretation of any consensus WRT oiling old DIY lathes is.
    • Almost any light oil is better than no oil.
    • More oil is better than less.
    • Regularly wipe away oil and crud on sliding surfaces and apply fresh oil

  3. #3
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    Default

    You should be fine just using a 46 hydraulic oil in the spindle , gearbox and ways, $40 for 5 Larson from Supercheap, put some spray chain lube on the gears.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Newcastle NSW
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    Default

    I use ATF fluid for everything. As stated above, any oil is better than none.
    Just make sure you keep the machine clean and well oiled after prolonged use.
    There is something magical about spending some time oiling and maintaining the lathe.....if the wife allows...

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
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    Dural NSW
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    Default Dirt & Grit are big enemies of the lathe

    Quote Originally Posted by Zumanity View Post
    I use ATF fluid for everything. As stated above, any oil is better than none.
    Just make sure you keep the machine clean and well oiled after prolonged use.
    There is something magical about spending some time oiling and maintaining the lathe.....if the wife allows...
    From experience I believe the big enemies of lathe slides are filings & abrasive loose grit.
    When using a file or abrasive cloth on the lathe always good practice to lay a sheet of old newspaper under the file or abrasive strips, to eliminate the problem.
    Filings and or loose abrasive grit mixed with oil will destroy or damage the slides very quickly.
    I also use a small sheet of foam to keep this stuff away from the slides, its always on hand & quick to use.
    Bruce

  6. #6
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    Default

    Haha! Classic MWF.
    I'll take that as a general consensus of 'Yes' and go ahead and buy the right oil for the job.
    For those who care, keep a eye out for 1 litre bottles of Vacuoline in 10W (ISO 32), the actual correct oil for both your spindle and ways, on eBay.

  7. #7
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Default

    Interesting interpretation but It’s not how I read the responses.
    1 doesn’t really matter
    1 ATF
    1 ISO 46
    And a “keep things clean.
    Can’t see anything there about using the “right” oil

  8. #8
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    Ummm...pretty sure the general consensus was "just use something"

  9. #9
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    It was known about even ancient texts, that most readers aren't really looking for anything new, but "to confirm/support an existing and point of view".

    When things started appearing on TV screens and the web there was a vain hope by some educators that this would change, and as far as computers went would provide a really significant reason to switch from paper to screens.

    Unfortunately after years of testing they found things were worse as readers/viewers were able to more easily find stuff that "confirmed/supported existing points of view".

    Even when Ivy League graduate students were asked to restrict their research to set texts for assignments some still inserted "Flat earth" type responses.
    When told there were going to be specific questions on exams they could remember the required "round earth" answers, but reverted to "flat earth" view points after the exams.

    By posting this I'm not sure if I'm just confirming my pre-existing beliefs

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    Interesting interpretation but It’s not how I read the responses.
    1 doesn’t really matter
    1 ATF
    1 ISO 46
    And a “keep things clean.
    Can’t see anything there about using the “right” oil
    Thanks for that. I understand your response completely and I'm grateful for your contribution.
    I'm guessing that you could think that I'm a contrary old git, with some kind of oddly-biased interpretation of the friendly tips I've been offered. I'd hope however, that you might find it interesting to note that I could not see anything in the earlier responses which related closely to my question.
    Thanks again

  11. #11
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Quote Originally Posted by Fast Freddie View Post
    I'd hope however, that you might find it interesting to note that I could not see anything in the earlier responses which related closely to my question.
    Fair enough - we do that often here.

  12. #12
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    You can get the ISO 32 in 5 litres.

  13. #13
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    Hi Freddie,

    Quote Originally Posted by Fast Freddie View Post
    I'd hope however, that you might find it interesting to note that I could not see anything in the earlier responses which related closely to my question.
    Thanks again

    Quote.

    • Does moving up from a viscosity of ISO 22 to ISO 32 sound like an acceptable idea on the spindle of a 50 year old Hercus, if it allows me a ‘correct’ oil for both spindle and ways?


    If you are referring to the above question, then the answer would be "Yes" !

    As has been said any oil is better than no oil !
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  14. #14
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by pipeclay View Post
    You can get the ISO 32 in 5 litres.
    Oh wow, if that's Vacuoline in ISO 32, that's great!
    Have you any idea where from?
    Mobil told me the 20 litre story, and that I need to get it from Altona.

  15. #15
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    It is Nullon.

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