Refitting gib strips.

Just a quick question about the gib strips I have taken the cross slide apart on the Bantam lathe, its all been cleaned and dried and is now ready to go back together what oil should I be using on the strips and is there a particular way to fit it correctly ? thanks in advance going back in the shop now hope I get it right.

Regards Alan.

Fit the strips and adjust without the leadscrew fitted so you can move the slide from one extreme to the other by hand. I like to use a high pressure lube - a moly or Teflon based grease for this, not too much as it only attracts (and holds) dirt.

Loosen off all the nuts on the gib adjusting screws and take up the slack only on those where the inner side of the gib is supported by the slide, then move the slide so any remain screws are supported and do the same (Obviously you don't want to be adjusting a gib screw where the gib is overhanging the slide!). Now move the slide by hand over its full travel whilst feeling for resistance, jusdiciously tightening the screws as you go until you can feel all slack has been removed but the slide still moves easily one end to the other. Now nip up the locking screws and check for free movement again (tightening locknuts can affect the tension of the adjusting screws). If everything is still satisfactory then re-assemble the leadscrew and you're good to go.

That's how I do my Myford slides, if your lathe has a different adjustment method then adapt it - the key is to get an even smooth movement over the whole length of travel without any tight spots.

Hi can I pass on a tip. This a mod I have done on my lathe and milling machine gibs.

Lock the gibs up tight on all adjusting screws.

Remove one screw completely and with a drill to match the tapping size of the screw and tidy up the Indent in the gib strip using an "Egg Beater" or hand drill.

Replace and tighten up repeat until all screws have been treated.

Then dismantle and clean up.

Then remove the screw and form a "cup point" on the end of the screw or fit NEW "Cup Point " screw.

Insert a "bearing ball" the same size as the tapping size for the screw I.E. 5 mm for 6 mm Screw.

Then replace and adjust It to look like =H Excuse the Keyboard CAD drawing.

Not too keen on grease to lubricate "Cast Iron" . Moly or teflon additive to Way Oil is prefered .

Eric

Edited By oldvelo on 25/05/2013 04:13:37

T68 way oil would be my preference.

Regards

Paul