Myford lathe protective coating

Hi, I have just an ML7RB made in 1993, obviously little used as it still has a lot of the protective grease on it. After 25 years this grease has hardened and reluctant to come off. It is on both painted and machined surfaces. I've tried the toothbrush and paraffin sketch but made very little headway. Willing to listen to any ideas, obviously don't want to spoil the paint.

Hello Mick, for the machined surfaces I would cover with a rag or kitchen roll then apply paraffin or white spirit. Cover with cling film to slow evaporation and leave for 24 hrs, hopefully that will soften the grease. For painted surfaces the usual do a test piece first. Regards Michael.

Hello,

I found out that metal polish worked excellent on my old Clausing lathe. The brand I used was Tarnite. Although I believe they are out of business now. Maybe another brand that is a tarnish remover. It removed the 40 year old dried on cutting oils.

Lou

Have you tried WD40? That dissolves a surprising range of gunk. Or automotive degreaser?

Petrol will dissolve most gunky things if you get desperate, but is a terrible fire hazard. Ventilate well and have all electrical equipment switched off if you must use it.

Edited By Hopper on 11/07/2018 07:50:20

White spirit will work as well as petrol, but slower and less risky. I used it to get an amazing amount of thick grease off the SC4-500 faceplate. Several day's soak in a wash basin with the stuff.

Neil