Myford Lubrication Oil

I have noticed that for a Myford Super7B some have recommended Nuto H32 & ISOVG68 (K68)or similar oils. I have long lost my Myford manual and use Nuto H32 but have always used a straight SAE30 motor oil where the ISOVG68 (K68) is now recommended. I'm sure that my lost manual use to state SAE30 oil, have I been using the wrong oil in the gearbox etc.?

Hello Morgan,

My gearbox has enjoyed SAE 30 oil for years and is still in pristine condition. I don't think you have anything to be concerned about.

Regards Brian

Don’t think it really matters what oil you use, any oil is better than none. I use chainsaw oil on the slideways it tends to cling and my garden machinery supplier usually has it on offer, it seems that the local tree surgeons no longer use it, they have found a cheaper alternative, sunflower oil from the local supermarket. I also use chainsaw oil for lubricating the loco, doesn’t get flung off of the motion when running as much as normal oil does.

I think I used two stroke oil on my Myfords’ slide ways. I think it was marked as SAE 30.

long time ago so I could be wrong.

Whatever grades you use, within a sensible range, will be far superior to the oils, referenced for use in the 1950s.

Too high a viscosity might give flow troubles if very cold and too low a viscosity may leak out too fast.

Think of engines back in the middle of the last century compared to the grades for modern engines which likely rev much more higher and the bhp/l is vastly increased.

I have used multigrade Castrol motor oil on my S7 for 50 years ,on bearings slides and gears,without problem.Most of these oils with various weird names,were intended for industrial use,were usually cheaper than motor oils as they did not need additives for high temperatures etc in i/c engines,and probably to stop employees using the oil in their cars and motorcycles. Of course these industrial oils in small quantities are relatively expensive and there is no real advantage in using them.The only machine where I use the correct hydraulic oil is in the headstock of my Colchester,as the spindle bearings are very expensive and a 5 gallon drum of hydraulic oil is cheaper than top quality multigrade oil,

Back in the 50/60s normal SAE30 mineral engine oil was used as 2 stroke oil, BSA Bantam Etc ! The use of Chainsaw chain lube oil on other things, be careful as it is fed into the bar groove and works through the chain, carrying the sawdust and grit etc away. It is a pumped constant feed system ! It is not intended for rotary motion and once spun out will leave journals dry, It is a specialist lube not listed for any other use including those above. ISO 32 and 68 hydraulic oils are readily available and if one considers that pumps and motors are machined to microns for rotary motion and cylinders are linear motion then these 2 specs are the ones to use on our lathes, mills Etc UNLESS a special oil or lube is secified ! There are several threads on this matter. Noel.

Hi Morgan,

Straight SAE 30 oil has about the same viscsity as ISO VG 68 (K68), this subject was discussed earlier. Proper slideway oil have additives that gives a smoother ride, may not be necessary for us amateurs.

Thor

20/50 engine oil, or 15/50 or 15/40 or whatever is left over from the last car or bike oil change has kept my Drummmond going for over 50 years and now my Myford too. Synthetic is nice and slippery but I don't use it much so is a rare luxury.

The hydraulic fluid as used on earth moving equipment, farm equipment and many other similar similar things has the same specifications.as quoted by former Myford. Locally we can take a clean 1 litre milk carton to the ships chandlers and he fills it out of the 40 gallon barrel for £2.50, might be a bit more just now. John

Tellus 32 hydraulic oil is the equivalent of Esso Nuto H32 which is what Myford recommended for ML7 headstock. Readily available, if you find someone in your area who fixes agricultural or earth-moving equipment they will probably sell you a small quantity

If your near me I will sell you ISO 32 by the L. or pint ! Noel.

Thanks for all the replies especially the link provided by thor.

I have plenty of oil thanks, it was just to check that I am using the correct oils.