-29-
Lead Screw & Feedrod Bearings
Checking & Adding Oil
To check the oil level, remove the
fi
ll plug and look
inside the reservoir (Figure 76). The oil level must
remain full to keep the leadscrew bearing adequately
lubricated. Pour oil in the reservoir until it is as full as
possible without over
fl
owing.
Unpainted & Machined Surfaces
Besides the ways and leadscrew, all other unpainted
and machined surfaces should be wiped down
daily to keep them rust-free and in top condition.
This includes the top of the saddle, the cross slide,
compound slide, tool post, chuck, feedrod, and any
other surface you can
fi
nd that could be vulnerable
to rust if left unprotected (this especially includes any
parts that may be exposed to water soluble cutting
fl
uids). Typically with these parts, a thin
fi
lm of oil is all
that is necessary for protection.
Ball Oilers
This lathe has
fi
ve ball oiler locations (see Figures
78–79) that should be oiled on a daily basis. In order
to properly squirt oil into the ball oiler mechanisms,
you will need an oil can or gun.
Figure 78. Ball oiler locations.
Figure 79. Tailstock ball oiler locations.
To lubricate the ball oilers, clean the outside surface
to remove any dust or grime, push the ball with the
tip of the oil can nozzle, and squirt a small amount
inside. If the lathe is in a moist or dirty environment,
increase the oiling interval.
Figure 77. Location of way pump,
fi
ll plug, and
sight glass on the apron.
Fill Plug
Sight Glass
Way Pump
Lead Screw
Before lubricating the leadscrew ( Figure 76 ), clean
it
fi
rst with mineral spirits. A paint brush works well to
help clean out the threads. Make sure to move the
carriage out of the way, so you can clean the entire
length of the leadscrew.
Apply oil along the length of the leadscrew. Use a
paint brush to make sure the oil is evenly applied and
down in the threads.
Ways & Slides
The way pump shown in Figure 77 lubricates the
saddle and cross slide way guides with the oil from
the apron reservoir.
To use the way pump to lubricate the ways, pull
the pump knob out for two or three seconds and
then push it in. The pump draws oil from the apron
reservoir and then forces it through drilled passages
to the way guides.
Repeat this process and move the carriage left/ right
and the cross slide forward/backward to distribute oil
along the way guides.
Lubricate the guides once before and once after
operating the lathe. If the lathe is in a moist or dirty
environment, increase the lubrication interval and
make sure to keep the oil level full.
Figure 76. Leadscrew lubrication.
Fill Plug
Fill Plug
Oil Reservoir
for Feedrod
& Leadscrew
Bearings
