X axis oiling

I have the smallest Warco mill the WM12. It's my first mill and I'm enjoying getting to grips with milling.

I have a question regarding oiling of the ways that I'm hoping someone will be able to help with. Z and Y axis ways are dead easy to oil being vertical and horizontal upward facing respectively but the X axis is upside down so oiling is tricky. There are no button oilers fitted so I have been resorting to running an oily fingertip along the X axis ways in an attempt to get oil on them. This is a very messy and probably wasteful way but is working for now, I think.

Is this likely to be sufficient to prevent wear? I have some oilers somewhere and have contemplated fitting some but I'm not sure if it's necessary or not and am unsure exactly where would be best to put them.

Any suggestions are welcomed.

Simon

Hi Simon

We're all in a similar position in one form or another. There are 'one shot' lube systems on the market for most machines, Arc Euro sell one specifically for Myfords but could be used for other machines. I have a WM16 mill & I lubricate it it the awkward way; from underneath the table using a squirt oil can with a flexible spout & SAE 10-40 transmission oil, whilst moving the table along it's travel axis, works fine for me to date, it does get messy but I wipe up any excess afterwards. Horses for courses I s'pose

George.

Tooth brush and jam jar (other jars are available)

Hopefully another toothbrush will be available too

So what I'm doing is OK then I guess. Thanks for the replies. Using a tooth brush didn't occur to me but it definitely should have as that's exactly how I oil the chain on my motorbikes. A jar of EP90 and a tooth brush. I have a small stash of old brushes so I think I'll stop using my finger and use one of them instead .

Simon

Think the first Paddington Bear film -----------------------------and shudder.

Cotton bud.

Glue (or "Acid" ) brushes are cheap and very handy for spreading or applying 'oils' - be that lubrication or cutting - better than using a toothbrush (or your fingers)

Glue Brushes

Regards,

IanT

Edited By IanT on 14/08/2020 21:19:10

Use a good flavoured oil on the tooth brush.

Some leave an awful taste in your mouth.

Way oil is available in spray cans and might be a solution for the OP's problem.

Oil can with a flexible spout for those difficult locations.