Lubrication for open geared Metal Lathes

I know everyone has there favourite product, but CRC TAC-2 for me is just absolutely brilliant and lasts and lasts.

Really quietens down the gear noise.

Edited By Blue Heeler on 13/06/2019 07:00:48

That stuff looks really good, can't say I have seen it in the UK but I will now look on line. It would be useful for the primary chain on my 1920s bike. I have blocked the oil feed off to the chain and just remove the cover and spray the chain every couple of hundred miles. I use spray grease on the lathe gears but not the tac type, I like the spiders web effect.

Chain saw oil ??

I use oil. Anything that might come through the spindle will not stick to the gears. There are no belts in that area of my lathe. I don’t want to lubricate with anything that swarf can stick to.

Further, the shafts, on which those gears run need regular lubrication. Those on my lathe have oil holes through the gear bosses for that purpose. Grease would soon block those lubrication points.

Lubrication needs do not have a single universal fix. Some thought needs to be applied to make best use of the resource. Modern motorcycle chain lubricant would likely suffice for those that decide to use such a plan. There are a multitude of options - and aerosols are probably not the cheapest way to achieve good lubrication anyway.

Just my 2p worth.

The type I use a black tarry like yuk which is quite the filthiest stuff I use in the workshop - but it works! Just wear gloves if you are anywhere at that end of the lathe - the stuff gets everywhere . In comparison on the filth scale, sweat and cast iron are pure luxury.

Look for "GEARLUBE" made by Forward Chemicals Ltd.

Rik

Edited By Rik Shaw on 13/06/2019 10:08:25

Doubled up!

Edited By Rik Shaw on 13/06/2019 10:07:42

Motorcycle teflon chain lube spray can for me. Use the teflon stuff not the graphite if you want to avoid mess. Chain lube is designed to stick to moving sprockets and chains without flinging off, and to not be sticky so road grit - or swarf - does not stick to it. Works great on gears. Spray it on and leave it to set overnight for best results.

+1, me too

George.

I'm a user of motorcycle chain lube, the old PJ1 blue label went on like penetrating oil and hardened to a waxy coating. Sadly, they have changed the formula. What is the make of the Teflon type you guys use?

It has the added advantage over oil in that it quietens gear noise better.

Shafts which are lubricated with oil should not be greased, I am only recommending grease on exposed gears.

Edited By old mart on 13/06/2019 22:47:44

Motul chain spray, the no-mess road/street stuff, not motocross stuff which contains graphite. Or Maxima Chain Wax spray works very well too.

I've never had any swarf come back into the gears of the lathe. And the TAC-2 doesn't in anyway block up those little PITA brass ball oilers.

I've always kept a rolled up oiled ball of tissues in the spindle of my lathes and they push out when I push a rod through.