Cleaning and preparing a new to me, old lathe

So, I didnt want to hijack this thread: #Cleaning a new lathe# so thought i'd make a fresh one.

I'm almost set to start playing with my new to me 1950s lathe, and wanted to check what level you guys do a strip down / clean up / grease up etc, before starting to do any work.

I've given the drip tray a complete wash with typical fairy, to remove the grime from the last owner, however, most of the machine has a light oily coating on it, and the bed seems to have a suitable film of oil on it too.

I was just wondering if I should clear all the old oil/grease/cack off the machine and then do my own lubrication with fresh oil/greases/etc, or if that is a bad idea.

Many thanks in advance.

Del

Just don't forget that what look like grease nipples on a Myford are for oil not grease

Roy

Very good point yep. I've been cleaning each of them as I work around the lathe. Hoping to have it purring quietly very soon.

Welcome Del ,

Bit late . I have the same S7 as you. Lots of info on this site about it and suggested reading. Do the setup when in its in its final location as the bench it not the sturdiness of benches. It took me about 3 goes before things settled down.

Last year I carried out a VFD 3 phase conversion, it's a worthwhile upgrade that you wouldn't regret.

I also have some spares left over from a gearbox upgrade, so if you need anything PM me to check if I have it.

Hugh