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Thread: Hercus 260

  1. #1
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    Default Hercus 260

    I’ve jus acquired an ex tafe lathe. It’s in great condition, but there is a bit of oil staining of the paint in some areas. I posted on another forum asking for some advice on using a degreaser to remove it that will not melt the paint. I got several suggestions from wd40 to a foaming degreaser from reproduced. Unfortunately apart from the we 40 that did nothing to remove it, the degreasers all warn not to use it on paint as it can damage it!

    Does anyone know of a method that is safe on the paint?

  2. #2
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    Certainly not an expert but I will share my experience from the 2 times I have done this

    The degreaser that I used ruined the paint on my Lathe. I cant recall the brand, just something that I picked up from Repco

    It went lighter in colour and blotchy... I wished I had just left it...

    The Mill I just scraped all of the swarf away with a plastic scraper and CRC on the dried up bits and left it. Over time I have just brushed and wiped it down after use.

    The Mill looks alot better than the Lathe and I have done much less.

    For me, I decided it was a 20+ year old machine and it didn't need to look perfect for me to enjoy its use.


    I hope you enjoy your new lathe, I dont use mine much but really enjoy it when it do.

  3. #3
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    definitely don't use degreaser. Sometimes the oil just works its way into the paint pores and short of removing the paint and starting again there's not much that can be done. If it's surface oil I found turps and elbow grease worked. On one machine where the oil was embedded in the paint I was able to remove some of the stains using "cut and polish" that I had laying around, it does remove some paint so it's its only thinly applied you run the risk of losing the paint. Maybe try it on an unobtrusive part of the machine first.

  4. #4
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    I was told to get some of the degreaser on another thread at repco too! I looked on the tin and specifically said not to use on paint. So, thanks for reinforcing not to use degreaser.

    Yes, the staining is in the pores of the paint. So it sounds like it is just not possible to get it out. Thanks for the responses.

  5. #5
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    Sailor, I sympathise with the inclination to see the paint made whole but you'll get over it. Treat the stains as historical patina and enjoy the fact that you have a historical piece of equipment.

  6. #6
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    G'day Sailor,
    I've used the Australian Export de-greaser you get from Super Cheap, Autobarn, etc as a general parts cleaning agent for years and it's never touched the paint on anything I've sprayed it on.

    This one: https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...070901#start=1

    I used it when I originally cleaned up my 260 and Thiel mill, I've cleaned countless other things including my stationary engines, old signs (litho not enamel) and it has never once affected the paint. I don't know what it is, it's solvent based and incredibly flammable but quite benign apart from that. It did blow the hot plate off my potbelly when I used it as a firelighter once but that's a whole different story.

    Brake cleaner on the other hand will soften or strip a lot of paints so be careful when using it.

    To clean your oily stains, try using a toothbrush wet with some WD40, CRC, RP7, turps, kero or the above de-greaser if you dare, and scrub to your hearts content. For more stubborn stains try an old nearly worn out bit of scotch bright wet as per above. The paint on your 260 is pretty resilient stuff so I wouldn't be too worried.
    Cheers,
    Greg.

  7. #7
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    I spent the afternoon with a toothbrush and the old standby Kero.
    It worked fine and looks great. Just read your advice Greg, Thankyou.

  8. #8
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    3F05C1A7-B7B5-48AA-968E-9057C2AA645E.jpg30A97F5F-90EC-4C0C-902B-513E21EDE777.jpg

    Pictures as requested after the cleanup. Will install a single phase motor now, and perhaps a vfd later on the 3 phase.

  9. #9
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    Looks like it just rolled out of the showroom.

  10. #10
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    It certainly had not seen much use. Everything is nice and tight. It’s a “C” version, but that’s ok for what I need. I bid at auction sight unseen, but the photos showed it had little use. Got it at a great price and got a backload truck from sydney to Melbourne for $150. Auction ended on Monday night at 8pm, truck picked it up Tuesday morning and delivered first thing Wednesday ( they were going to deliver Tuesday night! ) everything went as smooth as could be, that has got to be a first for me!

  11. #11
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    Don't leave the chuck on the spindle it may have a tendency to bind, I would suggest that all fittings to Hercus spindles be removed after use for the job at hand.

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by racingtadpole View Post
    Looks like it just rolled out of the showroom.
    I agree, but I was surprised when I saw the photos.

  13. #13
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    WOW!

    That looks in good nick!!

    You were right to take your time to consider not ruining the paint.

    Well done on the clean up, looks like a great find.

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