Cleaning machines

Ted in NE-OH

Well-known Member
I need to clean up a mill that is encrusted with oil and chips. Should I use WD-40, Kerosene, ,degreaser or whatever. I don't want the mill to rust.
 
If it was me and you can get it outside, I would hot power wash it, blow it off with leaf blower and oil surfaces.
 
Regular old paint thinner works real good.

Clean off the heavy crap with the thinner, then do the final clean with brake cleaner. Dry with air gun at all phases.

If you have built up crud on the ways, (gonna get slammed on this), hit it with a brass cup brush. Brass is soft, ways ain't.
 
Simple green is what HAAS recommends as it doesn't remove paint, but does remove grease and built up crud. Jim
 
Depending on what it's crusted with, dried on water base coolant will need something like Purple Power, or Simple Green.

Grease will come off with petroleum base, diesel, kero, naphtha, etc.

But the real cleaning needs to be done under the table and saddle. The oil passages clog, the oil metering valves clog and need to be cleaned or replaced.

They are not that difficult to disassemble. That's the only way to properly clean one up, inspect the ways, the lead screws and bearings, etc.

But do be ready to spray down the exposed metal with WD or penetrating oil, as it will rust quickly.
 
I use the purple stuff that Sams club sells. Not sure of the name of the degreaser they sell. It mixes with water and have not seen it cause rust. We use it on everything, Mills, lathe, plastic molding machines and plastic parts. I think it is the same as the purple power with a different name.
 
You don't want to hot power wash machined surfaces as they start to rust immediately while drying. Cleaning with mineral spirits then oiling down will work if it is grease. And yes as Steve said you want to get the lead screws and under the table and ways and must re-oil after doing so to keep it from rusting.
 

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