[yukonho]

I recently moved a big round column mill into my basement and have been making a bunch of chips. I am starting to wonder about lubricant needs.
What do you guys use to lube the ways and the spindle? how often do you do it? Is there any other regular maintenance you recommend?
One other question, I have been unhappy with the finish I have been getting, even with the quill hardly extended and locked and with the ways tightened really snug. Tonight I grabbed the bit and wiggled it and could detect some play, not much, but enough to feel it. Is there any way to tighten up the spindle?
Cheers guys,
Colin

[yukonho]

Does nobody maintain their machines??
colin

[widgitmaster]

Yey Daddy!

I us "Waylube" for the ways, and "Spindle Oil" for the spindle.

Both are available from Enco, MSC, Travis, J&L... Tool Suppliers.
Look for them with Google, ok Daddy!

Eric

[trubleshtr]

Only when I get paid too...

Sounds like your spindle needs new bearings, It can be done by you if you are meticulous. Sketch out everything as you take it apart, so you know how it goes back together again. Most important would be to pay attention to the way the bearings are mounted in the spindle, sometimes (depending on mill) matched set bearing are used, and you will want to be sure to orientate them the same direction for thrust and radial loads.
Usually a light spindle oil around a #10 weight will suffice for most,frequency will depend on use. You may want to consider "sealed" for life bearings that are packed with grease and have seals and sheilds on them. That way, you will not have to worry about spindle oiling. You will also want to lubricate your ways and ball screws or acme rods ect..Ways tend to use a #68 weight as a rule of thumb.

Apart from that keep your belts (if any) tensioned to the proper spec. Check any gear boxes/reducers for oil level and contamination (if any on your machine). and keep that fan shroud for your motor clean to keep things cool.
otherwise keep it clean, try not to use compressed air to clean as it can force small slivers and chips under seals and into places you don't want them.

Hope this helps

[yukonho]

Thanks for the posts guys.
Although the machine was made in the late 80's, it has seen very little use. I purchased it off the original owner, and the condition of the machine is pristine. This leads me to doubt that the bearings are worn out. Is there any adjustment that can tighten the spindle up?
cheers,
Colin

[warpedmephisto]

I use Vactra medium way oil for my ways. I usually wipe them down when the get nasty looking and put a fresh coat of lube on them. I also use a flood coolant system so I have to do it more often than when I wasn't running flood coolant. I have seal for life bearings so I don't bother with a spindle oil.

The bearings are starting to go on my spindle though as there is about a thou or two of wiggle at random revolutions - probably for taking too heavy of cuts. I'll probably replace them with some bearings rated for the proper forces at some point in the near future.

As for the wiggle, just try to pinpoint where the source is and then properly correct the problem. Make sure its not just a loose arbor or collet and see if it is the actual spindle that is loose. Good luck with your hunt!

[yukonho]

It is definitely the actual spindle, double and triple checked. Has anyone found an exploded view or (unlikely) a maintenance manual for these machines?
I think I will send an email to one of the vendors to see if they have any such thing.
I am hoping there is just an adjustment to make. If not, does anyone have a source for bearings?
Cheers,
Colin