Thread: Newbie Question

Hi All
I have a new AL-336D lathe and need to change headstock and gearbox oils.The manual lists machine oil but that only comes in tiny bottles. Is hydraulic fluid the correct replacement? Any advice will be a big help

Thanks.....Phill

Yes, 32 or 64 weight hydraulic oil is the go.

Hi Phil,

Welcome! Many people with these and similar machines (with Tapered roller bearings) use hydraulic oil in the headstock for lubricant. Certainly, the instructions in my machine stipulate Mobil DTE Light which is a light hydraulic oil of which the viscosity grade I cannot remember. Problem for me (and many others) is that mobil DTE light is not easily available in small quantities (less than 20L drum) and so makes it impractical. Personally, I use a generic brand of hydraulic oil in either an ISO46 or 68 grade. Supercheap auto sell 5L of hydraulic oil for a reasonable price. I also use the same in my saddle. I cannot comment on your gearbox as I have a crappy Norton style gearbox which gets lubricated from above and all the oil ends up on the chip tray, mixed with swarf! But if the manufacturer stipulates the same oil for the gearbox and headstock then you should be right to use hydraulic oil there too.

P.S. If your machine is reasonably new and this is it's first oil change, I would remove the headstock top cover and have a look to make sure there is no crap, sludge or leftover casting sand in there, waiting to be fed through your "precision bearings" This has been a common problem with some Chinese machine tools. A good rinse with Kero or similar will clean it up.

Cheers,


Simon

Thanks Gavin and Simon for the super quick help. Very much appreciated. I'm picking up heaps of great info from the people on here which helps a newbie get going.

Thanks......Phill

HI,
I have a Hafco AL-960B and have been using ISO46 Hydraulic Oil in the Headstock and Apron Gearbox.