Removal of staining and disclouration on lathe slideways

I recently bought a 1979 Myford Super 7 lathe which has hardly been used over 35 years but storage covered in heavy oil ( at least I assume this is one of the the likely causes) has left the slideways and cross slide badly stained. Energetic use of WD40 with 0000 wire wool has no effect. I bought it because the mechanical condition is like new, but it occurs to me that if someone knows of a chemical cleaner that can remove the staining I might give it a go. Any advice most welcome. Thanks, Adam

Edited By Adam Harris on 31/05/2014 22:59:48

Edited By Adam Harris on 31/05/2014 23:00:29

Just use it. The marks will come off over time, you might even put some of your own on it.

graham

I certainly agree with Graham.

When I first acquired my Myford Speed 10, the way was pristine. Later, at a health and safety expo that I sponsored prior to retirement, I was given a large bottle of a common brand tapping fluid by the distribution representative. I tried the fluid while tapping on the Speed 10. Needless to say a few drops landed on the way. When I attempted to wipe up the swarf and fluid, I noticed that fluid had permanently stained the way. Short of abrasion, nothing would take it off. I set the tapping fluid aside for use elsewhere in the shop and ignored the stains. At the same time I switched to a tapping and machining creme. Over time, during which the way has been wiped hundreds of times with with oil and cloth, the stains on the Speed 10 have disappeared.

Ignore the staining Adam. You have a fine lathe that will bring you years of enjoyment.

Cheers

Bill

Try a drop of cellulose thinners.

Paul

In more general terms when cleaning off old machines a range of solvents is necessary. Carburetta cleaner will wipe off things white spirit doesn't touch, meths works on other things, and car polishes contain both solvent and very mild abrasive that is effective on other things.

There are numerous chemicals you could try to remove the stains, but what is the point. Why on earth do they need to be removed. I think I could be fairly confident in stating that they will have no effect on accuracy.

Ian P

Edited By Ian Phillips on 01/06/2014 12:20:56

Make no mistake, my workshop is pristine, some of the things I work on are frighteningly expensive, and not mine. When I put stuff away they get wiped down and oiled, and depending what they are depends the actual type of oil. But stains on beds and ways are just temporary and they will change over time.

The only way to get rid of stains (generally) is to abrade them away. I just wouldn't.

graham.

Yes, just use it. As folk have said, it'll go in time and with use.

(But if it really bothers you, simply get a really big chisel and a lump hammer and cut them out. Smooth off with an angle grinder.)