myford lathe

Hello all, just got my first lathe, a myford ML7, & am cleaning it up prior to use. Anyone out there know if I should use oil or grease on the gear cogs that drive the leadscrew? All the best DW.

Hi

On the wheels themselves Myford specify no lubrication. On the studs the wheels mount on it says " lubricate with oil can twice daily" Now that assumes all day use! Myfords specified oil for the oil can is NUTO H32.

Have a look in "My Messages" (in the My Account at top left) - I have left one for you.

Regards

Norman

The lubrication chart in My ML7 manual (1970 vintage) suggests a "small amount of oil (viscosity 30) will effectively lubricate the gear teeth", not very specific but that's what it says.

Getting hold of a manual might help you, it is full of useful info and a lube chart, there are quite a few points!

Myford sell  a manual, which from the illustration looks the same as mine, listed under "myford lathe catalogues" on their website.

www.myford.co.uk

Edited By V8Eng on 01/03/2012 20:10:29

Hi DW, I use Shell Toner oil left over from my days on a jig borer where it was used for the slideways on a single shot lube system. However i am now almost out and the oil is no longer available in the same grade so I've been looking for an alternative and a pal -- in fact the guy I trained to take over my jig borer suggested chain saw chain oil and it works extreemly well.

It has a similar cosistancy to the toner oil and is "stringy" thus staying on the gears rarther than runing off.

Don't forget the other "grease" nipples on your lathe are for OIL and NOT grease.

John

Hi DW,

Have a look on the Yahoo Myford Group - you will find lots of good info:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/myfordlathes/

For general lubrication on my S7 I use Nuto 32. This is an hydraulic oil, and any such oil with a 32 spec will be similar.

There has been an awful lot written about oil for Myfords, but I think it is worth remembering that oils have evolved a great deal since the original Myford oil spec was written, and that (usually) more 'nearly right' oil is better than no perfect oil! There has been talk of some high pressure (hypoid?) oils affecting bronze bearings but I don't know about that.

Hydraulic oils are often available from agricultural suppliers.

Rgds,

John