Myford Tri-Leva Oils

Evening all.

I've just taken ownership of a Myford Tri-Leva, and as a complete beginner, I've got many many questions whirring around in my head. So I'll start with an easy one, and no doubt follow up with a few more shortly .

With a view to keeping the lathe in top order, I want to ensure I use the correct oils and at the correct frequency. I've seen on E-Bay some Myford VG32 Esso Nuto oil and also some Myford Slideway oil VG68. Both come from RDG .

Is anyone able to advise if these are the correct oils to use ?

Also seen a tip on YouTube showing some blunt needle tips on the end of a can to get the oil in. Anyone have experience of this method, and does it work ?

Would also really appreciate spending an hour or two with someone who owns a Myford just to pick up some specific tips . South Lincolnshire area, I'll travel and bring biscuits !

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give .

Richard

Any oil will get you started. It's not critical. (Ducks for cover. ) I've used whatever engine oil is in the shed for the past 50 years or so and lathe has so far failed to wear out due to lubrication issues.

However, both the oils you mention will work just fine. The first for bearings and general lubrication and the second for the slideways if you wish. It's a lot cheaper to just buy ISO32 hydraulic oil at your local auto parts store. Also repackaged and marketed as jack oil and air compressor oil.

Hi there, Richard,

I second Hopper's second paragraph.

I buy my H32 oil from my local agricultural engineers shop. It's the same stuff farmers use in the hydraulic gubbins that adorns the rear of their tractors. You don't survive as a farmer if you're careless about chasing for the best value, i.e. the best quality/price ratio!

Despite the Myford's 'total loss' lubrication system, a 5 litre flagon of H32 lasts a good while.

Best regards,

Swarf, Mostly!

Richard

Mine has survived on a diet of oil change 'left-overs' for the last thirty years or so - your usage may need something more like the specified.

rgds

Bill

For my Tri-Leva, I use the Castrol H32 equivalent, "Hyspin" I think. Cromwell tools sell it in 5l containers. Probably about £15 - 20 by now. 5l lasts many years at the rate I use it, so not up to date on prices.

Andy

Hello Richard,

Like Cornish Jack, I have used vehicle engine oil for lathe and mill lubrication for a very long time, the current stock is a crate I bought at auction >25 years ago of Unipart 10W-40, mainly for use as air cleaner oil for the Grey Fergie tractor we had at the time

The general principle applies though, that sort of viscosity is perfectly adequate; before that I used Duckhams 20-50 engine oil . I do have some genuine Myford oil but it sits out of reach on the top shelf

Regards Brian

Thanks all for the replies so far. All really helpful and I'll get kitted up now. Has anyone used the blunt needle tips I've seen on You-tube on the end of a can for actually getting the oil into the nipples ??

Seems a decent idea, but some of you may know a better / easier method ?

Cheers all

Richard