Hello, I have been having issues with my oil supply to my head stock. It seems to be taking to much oil when in use. An attempt was made to attach a drip oil system with a glass view port in place of the original oil stem.
I noticed that the oil is not filling to an equilibrium level within the view port. The oil found itself dripping down the back gear as the drip system fed the head stock.
This machine is new to me as machining in general, Any suggestions to whether this is normal or abnormal? Proper head stock etiquette would be much appreciated!
If I may take a stab at this, it sounds to me like the spring loaded oiler felt in the headstock under the
spindle is not making contact. Also, there is a small hole above the Gits flap-top oiler that is level with
the internal reservoir(s), so any excess should be coming from the holes, not in back.
Maybe they are plugged?
View attachment 313531
In theory, there is a spring-loaded felt pad that stays in constant contact with the spindle. A cavity
where this device sits is filled with oil and should remain at least at or below the small hole.
Oil is naturally delivered via a "wicking" action to the pad, drawing from the oil in the cavity.
There should be no slinging at all.
So I think two things are happening here. First, the hole above the oil is probably dirty or plugged.
Run a pipe cleaner (the type with bristles) through the hole with a bit of thinner on it. Keep doing until
clean.
Second, I don't think the felt is reaching the spindle. Do you know when the last time this lathe was
serviced? Might be time. Is this happening on both the front and the rear of the spindle?
What year is it?
Also, I'm not a physicist, but I'm not sure you are going to get an equilibrium from using larger
reservoir tanks. (?) I don't know. I'd put the originals back on, but what do I know. Maybe send a good
close-up photo of that oiler attachment? I'd like to see it.!
PMc