Greasing the bearings

[Peterm1000]

I have an Arundel J4 lathe (not had long)... I notice the headstock getting very warm to the touch. Should I be greasing the bearings? If so, how and with what? There are two little caps that flip up on top of the headstock. I guess I just put some oil in there...

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Yes. I can't speak for that lathe but my old ML8 had to be oiled every third or fourth time I used it, the oil just pours out as there are no seals. You might need new bearings - http://www.bearingsrus.co.uk are good.

 

[Paul Hannaby]

Yes you should put oil in the cups to lubricate the bearings but it's not uncommon for some types of bearings to warm up in use, particularly when running at higher speeds. Warm is probably ok but too hot to touch probably isn't!

 

[Peterm1000]

Thanks guys - I'll give that a go. So just 3 in 1 oil or something more special?

The headstock is warm to touch after about 30 mins of turning.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

3 in 1 is fine, as is any fairly light oil. If it takes 30 mins to warm up I wouldn't worry about it, but as you haven't owned for long I would overdo it for for while to wash out any gunge that might be there from before - just be careful it doesn't get flung somewhere you'd rather it wasn't.

 

[Dalboy]

My lathe uses 30-grade oil as recommended by the manufacturer. I have been running it for 5 years with no problems as long as you keep oiling every couple of days use. It only needs about three drops each time otherwise it will spray out everywhere.

3in1 oil seems to me to be a bit thin

 

[CHJ]

3in1 oil seems to me to be a bit thin

Would agree, maybe OK for tapered bronze sleeve bearings if that what is fitted to that particular model but Ball or Roller bearings would be better with heavier duty oil IMO, nearer to the grease spectrum used in permanently sealed units.

The None sealed bearings in my lathe have Grease nipples.

 

[Dalboy]

3in1 oil seems to me to be a bit thin

Would agree, maybe OK for tapered bronze sleeve bearings if that what is fitted to that particular model but Ball or Roller bearings would be better with heavier duty oil IMO, nearer to the grease spectrum used in permanently sealed units.

The None sealed bearings in my lathe have Grease nipples.

Mine is the bronze tapered type I would still not use the 3 in 1 oil. and I would agree with heavier oils/grease for roller type bearings.

 

[MusicMan]

I don't think you should use a heavy oil for spindle bearings. On my Boley with bronze bearings, I use (as recommended) a spindle oil. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spindle_oil. This is low viscosity and non-gumming. A heavier oil will heat up more and may gum.

I do use a specialist oil but 3 in 1 is pretty good.

The slideways of a metal lathe are where you need a heavy oil.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Aaaaannnyway .... we'll all agree the worst kind of oil is no oil.

 

[Lazurus]

My VB36 get very hot with prolonged use - toasty during the winter, it runs on no contact bearings with a thin film of oil between them - not sure what the oil specs are but I get a dedicated oil from Tool Post, have used an eggcup full in 4 years.

https://vb36.com/vb36-shop/vb36-master- ... -vb36.html