Grease points for a union graduate lathe

[Joe Curley]

Hi, I have just bought a Union Graduate lathe from a special needs school. They have the invoice from when it was bought 40 years ago. It has seen very little use, I would say a few demonstrations over the years and other than that used as a sander. My question is where and how many grease nipples are there, and what would you suggest I do, considering I do not know if it has been greased at all over the years.

Thanks in advance. Joe

 

[flh801978]

Theres 2 greasing points one at the back of the spindle on the inboard side and one inside the lid at the left hand side ( outboard)

They are screw caps sometimes you remove the cap fill with grease and screw back on ...as you screw on it forces a bit into the bearings...this has to come out somewhere so gets messy

Someone may have replaced with conventional nipples

If its been stood for 40 years it may be as well if you are going to use it to strip out and clean with solvent all old grease and repack or best replace with sealed bearings at very little cost > £ 50

no greasing now required no mess etc

there may be 2 nipples on the motor too but they more likely to be sealed bearings

Ian

 

[flh801978]

Joe
Out of interest how much was it 40 years ago?

Ian

 

[Joe Curley]

Union Graduate 30 inch- £184
Set of tools- £ 10
Screw Flange chuck- £ 3-50
Face Plate 8" left hand- £ 5-50

Less 10%
and when I bought it they had all the tools and plates mentioned on the receipt. I started her up today and she was like brand new, I am delighted.

Thanks for the advise

 

[Joe Curley]

Should Add 16th November 1972

 

[flh801978]

Looks very cheap but only a 15 fold increase to a new graduate today ( £3000 ish)
I'm sure that was a large sum in 72 though