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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Posts
    249

    Which way lube oil?

    I want to get my machine optimal, and I've heard of using way oil to help keep the ways moving smooth. I see two different types of way oil at Enco, Mobil Vactra #2, and #4. They both say medium oil. This is going to be used on an Industrial Hobbies mill. Light duty use. I just don't want to keep using WD40.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Posts
    27
    #2 is most appropriate for machines under 4-5 tons or so.
    http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lub...a_Numbered.asp
    This is the page on Mobil's website that discusses the
    oil characteristics. There are a number of other Vactra's
    for special purposes and other suppliers of way oil.
    ISO 68 is about right for small machines.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Posts
    390
    Quote Originally Posted by WilliamD View Post
    This is going to be used on an Industrial Hobbies mill. Light duty use.
    I believe if you ask Aaron Moss he would say to use chainsaw chain lube. It has a lot of tackifiers in it so will stick to vertical surfaces. Personally I use the #2 and #4 stuff you mentioned on an IH mill. The stickier of the two on the verticals and the thinner on the horizontals. I also use it on the ball-screws.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Posts
    674
    I use Vactra 2 on all my machines.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Posts
    249
    Thanks for the confirmation guys! I'm going to order a gallon of it. I hope it doesn't get used up too quickly. But I guess it's not really all that expensive.

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