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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

lathe lubricants

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holcombwa

12-06-2004 20:39:11




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Purchased a Craftsman 12" metal lathe and just got it all set up. The book says to use SAE 20 engine oil on everything but the gears (drove all over three towns before I found a gasoline distributer that still carried 20 wt. in stock), and then something called Keystone 122 or equivalent for the gears. Nobody had any idea what Keystone 122 was or what would sub for it. Anyone here using an old craftsman/atlas metal lathe that can shed some light on the mystery grease would be greatly appreciated.

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holcombwa

12-08-2004 18:22:54




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 Re: lathe lubricants in reply to holcombwa, 12-06-2004 20:39:11  
Thanks for all the input and advice especially whoever said Keystone was still in business. I should have tried to look them up in the first place, but really didn't know if it was a type of lube or what. Was able to find and contact a local distributor. In case you happen upon it in your Atlas/Craftsman lathe book, don't go on this wild grease chase like I did. Keystone doesn't make it anymore. What replaces it is a NGLI #3 calcium based grease. Which is not easy to find in its own right. The local auto parts place was able to track some down though so will get and use it. Thanks again for all the input.

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JD_IHC

12-08-2004 07:33:16




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 Re: lathe lubricants in reply to holcombwa, 12-06-2004 20:39:11  
I use way lube. You can get it from McMaster Carr in 1 gal jugs.



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wdTom

12-07-2004 17:42:09




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 Re: lathe lubricants in reply to holcombwa, 12-06-2004 20:39:11  
I read somewhere that automatic transmission oil is a good one for bearings on a lathe. The clearances are small on the headstock and ATF is thin, will get in. As I understand it ATF is a highly refined oil too. I have been using it on my Lodge and Shipley !@" for sometime now. Use engine oil I drain out of my oil change new oil containers for everything else. Way oil is probably better, it is designed not to have as much "stiction" which allows the ways to slide better at slow speeds they run at under power feeds as I understand it. Must get some and try it someday. The industrial suppleirs all carry it, usually in 1 gal. min. Would last me a long time, probably rest of my life. Could share it with a friend with a lathe if you have one, (friend with lathe).

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Midwest redneck

12-08-2004 17:34:24




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 Re: lathe lubricants in reply to wdTom, 12-07-2004 17:42:09  
What brand of L-S do you have? I have 2 of the 1408's at work, what a nice lathe, mfg. in June 1969, variable speed drive, I would love to have a bigger one, I can only turn 11" diam. stock.



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wdTom

12-09-2004 18:23:57




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 Re: lathe lubricants in reply to Midwest redneck , 12-08-2004 17:34:24  
I think we are talking different eras here. Mine is from the 20s I think. It is a cone pully drive, has a clutch in the headstock to start and stop it, but has a quick change gear box. It is a 12 ", says so on the headstock casting, but measures out at more like 13 or 14. Two speed back gears, but I need to repair a few teeth on the bull gear before I use the back gears. For a 12" lathe it is HEAVY. Massive bed. Will take 5' between centers too, so it looks like a big lathe.

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MAC,IL

12-07-2004 08:48:50




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 Re: lathe lubricants in reply to holcombwa, 12-06-2004 20:39:11  
Looks like the aerosol motorcycle chain lube would sick pretty good on the gears.



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TimV

12-07-2004 06:39:21




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 Re: lathe lubricants in reply to holcombwa, 12-06-2004 20:39:11  
Holcombwa: Many of the 7 x 10 mini-lathe users (myself included) use white lithium grease on their lathes. It should work for your Craftsman as well. It's availible at most hardware stores in small tubes.



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Davis In SC

12-06-2004 21:34:08




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 Re: lathe lubricants in reply to holcombwa, 12-06-2004 20:39:11  
Personally, I feel you are better off to use a Way lube on everything on a lathe. It has the tackiness to stick to things such as ways & gears. It is hard to get Way Lube in sizes less than a gallon, but you can make a similar oil by mixing 3 parts 30 weight oil to one part STP.....



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Farmall Nut

12-06-2004 21:55:35




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 Re: lathe lubricants in reply to Davis In SC, 12-06-2004 21:34:08  
Agree with way lube but it is sometimes difficult for the average person to obtain in small quantities. Try chainsaw bar oil. Has the same tackiness as way lube but is easier to obtain.



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Roger P.

12-06-2004 21:11:17




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 Re: lathe lubricants in reply to holcombwa, 12-06-2004 20:39:11  
Keystone is just a manufacturer (still in business) that sells Elf / Total products. 122 is a viscosity rating (around 40 wt I believe). We used to use Corena 122 compressor oil all the time, it came in various grades 32,46,68,100,122,150. I guess any good 40 wt oil would do for the gears. Others may have more detailed info.



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JAFO

12-10-2004 14:43:43




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 Re: lathe lubricants in reply to Roger P., 12-06-2004 21:11:17  
Never use any grease on lathe gears, chips will stick to it. Use oil only. Way oil is THE preferred choice for ways of course and once you have tried the real thing, you will know the difference. Hydraulic oil is a better choice than engine oil.



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