What do people recommend for slideway oil on lathe and mill please? I have always used ISO68 oil but believe the way oils have tackifiers to help them stay put and offer more protection against wear as a result. Any thoughts on whether this is right thing to use or not matter for low use at home?
- Thread starter Colin H
- Start date
Seadog
Save the planet. It's the only one with rum!
- Messages
- 12,849
- Location
- NE London - UK
I've some Shell Vactra. I can't recall the viscosity, but yes, it should be stickier.
ISO is just the viscosity rating, not the type of oil.
I always use proper slideway oil, as it's got additives to help the oil stay in place, and to reduce stiction.
Typical recommendations are 68 for anything without vertical slides, and 150 with vertical slides
I always use proper slideway oil, as it's got additives to help the oil stay in place, and to reduce stiction.
Typical recommendations are 68 for anything without vertical slides, and 150 with vertical slides
pressbrake1
Member
- Messages
- 5,711
- Location
- Essex
Lubrication is the same , only notable difference is way oil is more sticky so ideal for vertical surface or surfaces upside down like a mill table dovetail
So being more sticky the last thing you want in a lathe apron
So being more sticky the last thing you want in a lathe apron
Shox Dr
Chief Engineer to Carlos Fandango
- Messages
- 18,010
- Location
- East Yorkshire
I stopped using way oil a while back, I got fed up of the brown staining. Apparently it contains Pine Resin to make it sticky. Same goes for a lot of cutting/tapping oils.
Since fitting an auto lube to the M300, Ive been using Straight 30wt Oil, as I have a pond full. And a clean shiney lathe!
Since fitting an auto lube to the M300, Ive been using Straight 30wt Oil, as I have a pond full. And a clean shiney lathe!
My Old Landy
Engineering Mayhem
- Messages
- 3,581
- Location
- North Lincs
I use ISO32 as @eLuSiVeMiTe gave me 20l and it gets used on all the machines. As long as it is slippery 
pressbrake1
Member
- Messages
- 5,711
- Location
- Essex
You have to be careful as it’s a slow to drain
Sliding rods for gear selectors can hydraulic as the small vent holes don’t expel quick enough
I went out to a lathe that’s selectors went solid after a oil change . The culprit was way oil
Not machine related but years ago somebody filled gearbox with super thick oil. The 4x4 would pull forward in neutral with handbrake off
northwest
Searching for the Holy Grail.........
- Messages
- 6,386
- Location
- Manchester UK
Shox Dr
Chief Engineer to Carlos Fandango
- Messages
- 18,010
- Location
- East Yorkshire
With pleasure. Its very easy. Feed in via the saddle at the back. You need to remove the apron and block off the hand pump supply or you'll fill the apron up with oil. The Travelling steady holes need to be bunged, and thats about it.
It only feeds the bed ways, and the bottom of the cross slide. You still need to lube other areas, such as the gib. But its getting far more lube than it ever did.
Pump was about 35quid, and a couple of fittings.
I can take photos, but its really very easy, and self explanatory. If you need any help shout.
Smouser
Member
- Messages
- 1,238
- Location
- Amesbury, Wiltshire, UK
I bought 25 litres of slideway oil from Rye Oil a couple of weeks ago.
https://www.ryeoil.co.uk/shop/slideway-oil-68/
Yet to use a drop of it (still have about a litre left of another brand) so I can't say if it is any good or not.
I was planning to use it in the Elliott Omnispeed lathe's gearbox too when I get around sorting that machine but I am not so sure now.
https://www.ryeoil.co.uk/shop/slideway-oil-68/
Yet to use a drop of it (still have about a litre left of another brand) so I can't say if it is any good or not.
I was planning to use it in the Elliott Omnispeed lathe's gearbox too when I get around sorting that machine but I am not so sure now.
