Thread: Lathe and Milling machine lubricants

Has anyone tried fluid film?

Originally Posted by les-or-more

Has anyone tried fluid film?

Yes. It's very stinky when sprayed, and doesn't really dry, but looks like a cosmoline coating. I sprayed in on my Bridgeport degree collar for tilting the head side to side, as it was always rusting from the humidity. I can still see the numbers and divisions through the coating. It has not rusted since, but I have to try not to touch it as I get slimed when I do.

Chris

For off shore fishing vessels in Maine, nothing beats Fluid Film. The only spray on product that keeps the hydraulic steering rams clean and rust free in the worst environments seldom looked at for months at a time. It also is very good for sealing battery terminals, plug and socket connectors, locks, and wait until you try it on gun barrels - no more acid residue from finger prints. I learned decades ago not to use WD-40 to stop rust and for sure never get it near electronics or power controls.

I also have King lathe which is the same as jet and grizzly they recommended hydraulic oil. I change it out every 5000 hours .seems to work ok lathe been going well for the last 12 years. I pull the cover every 2 years just to see if any ware. What's the viscosity of dye heavy medium ?. Just picked up Tos fnk 25a
Does not say which oil to use in gear box.

Originally Posted by Jeremy

I'd like to start a topic listing the various recommended lubricants for things like headstock bearings, way oils, and the like. Other things like good spray oils for rust prevention would be great as well (in my experience, WD/40 is horrible for long-term rust prevention, it just evaporates).

I have a Rockwell metal lathe and have been using lightweight turbine oil for the ways. Seems to work okay, but have heard it's not recommended. What do you guys use?

Include info about the size of machinery you use as well, as some things may apply to a big 36" lathe, but not a small 6" unit.

I've heard that clp is really good to use for preventing rust, has anyone ever used it for machining tools or machines themselves?

WD-40 has a different product that actually works for longer-term rust prevention:

Corrosion Inhibitors for Metal | WD-40 Corrosion Inhibitor | WD-40

I got to tour the WD-40 HQ in San Diego a few years ago and got samples of this. They also own the Lava soap brand. Fun fact: the smell of regular WD-40 is actually a fragrance they add during manufacturing.