How to restore an old metal lathe? - materials needed? - cleaning liquids,brushes etc.

[ELL]

Here is the lathe in question:

The motor runs, but it needs a drive belt from the drive to the lathe itself.
Everything seems to turn as it should.
The motor runs off the switch super quietly which is a good sign.
What cleaning liquids should I use to clean it up? I have never done a restoration project before.
Any certain types of brushes or scrubbing pad?
I don't want to be too rough with it and do more harm than good.
Cheers lads.

 

[MattF]

Kerosene for cleaning off, & flushing through, old oil & grease, & those green nylon pads you use for washing up are the most abrasive thing I ever use.

 

[gaz1]

ive found a toothbrush plastic handle helps to clean the teeth and the bar cleaning

im also using a plumbers pipe cleaning pad as well

 

[ELL]

Thanks lads. It's really not that bad. I mean mechanically it's sound I think, it just needs to be cleaned up to look nice again.

 

[indykid]

I don't have kerosene on hand, but WD40 and grey scotchbrite is good for cleaning up corrosion on bare cast iron surfaces while doing very little damage. WD40 and a stiff nylon brush is good for cleaning paintwork up too. It's not good for much, but WD40 is excellent for cleaning and breaking down old oil, that and time - spray it, leave it a few hours and come back to it.

 

[Erie Fred]

I don't have kerosene on hand, but WD40 and grey scotchbrite is good for cleaning up corrosion on bare cast iron surfaces while doing very little damage. WD40 and a stiff nylon brush is good for cleaning paintwork up too. It's not good for much, but WD40 is excellent for cleaning and breaking down old oil, that and time - spray it, leave it a few hours and come back to it.

Kerosene will be cheaper, by the time you go thru a few cases of WD-40 spray cans or gallons.
I would put a large tray/tub (like for mixing concrete) under the whole thing, and don't spare the kero.
You want to really rinse it clean everywhere, wash it right down.

 

[dave h 2]

Considering the water staining on the shed wall I would leave all the patina intact as it's much more resistant to floating off on top of the condensation. Just clean the leadscrew and gears and add oil to the bearings EVERY time you use it.
I did all the cleaning bit on my first old lathe, but when you find all the mayonnaise on it one morning it's very disheartening. It also took ages to spot what I had done wrong re assembling it as well. Be aware that what look like grease nipples are sometimes for oil.

 

[gaz1]

heres my lathe post

Thread 'bought another lathe ml7 with homemade gearbox'

Jul 5, 2015

decided that id change my mind and go for the ml7 lathe

spotted this on ebay and bidded for it paid enough for it but that gearbox is rather interesting

• gaz1
• Replies: 42
• forum: Lathes and other Machining Equipment

• 

and all i used was kids toothbrushes as they are cheap and plumbers pipe cleaning pad

wirewoll can be harsh but the pad cleans them really well

 

[marlinspike]

I used Bilt Hamber Surfex as a degreaser, often with a soft toothbrush, and have found it really effective. Not really worth it for one job though as with p and p 5 litres is expensive. That looks a nice project. Good luck with it.

 

[mark roberts]

Depends on what you want it to look like. If you want it all shiny with bright steel work. Then you would need degreaser, scotchbrite, evaporust is good, wire brushes, brake cleaner, buffing wheels/compound. But like already mentioned if you have a unheated damp shed it will be a challenge to keep it pristine.