Another aspect of this is that some spindles may have a bit more clearance than others, so in these instances a little heavier oil may be fine, my old 13” O model likes a bit heavier oil, it’s out of shim to take up the clearance, and the journals need reground and new bearings made to fit. Running heavier oils is a stop gap measure to be sure, but will get you by sometimes. If it’s not heating up, I see no problem here.
...contaminates can be removed by the oil filter.....
It is not just viscosity that is a concern. Automotive oils contain additive packages that include dispersants so contaminates can be removed by the oil filter. Machine oils depend on contaminants to settle out gravitationally to the sump. This is just one of the many differences, there are more.
What oil filter?
Automotive oils contain additive packages that include dispersants so contaminates can be removed by the oil filter.
Automotive engine oil filter![]()
Please post picture of SB lathe - with engine filter attached!
Jim, please read my post more carefully. SB lathes depend on gravity. Automotive oils are used in Auto engines, they have filters.