Lathe lubricant

GoldCrown

GoldCrown

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What do you prefer to treat the bed/cross slide. I have been using Tri-Flo or BreakFree. No complaints but interested what else is good. I use a very light coating at best.
 
I have a bottle of sewing machine oil, not sure where it came from but it's convenient. I try to keep it as dry as possible everywhere without wearing obviously, clean up is a lot easier that way. Wood dust packs up tight
 
I use a dry lubricant and then my electric polisher to really make the bed slick. The headstock glides smoothly on the bed as do the cross slides.
 
Silicone or Pledge but wipe excess off. I would not use oil unless really wiped off as it will just attract dirt. I think Mid America actually recommended silicone or pledge also. Mid America beds will gall easily if dry and or you slide the components by hand too fast on the rail.
 
muskyed said:
Silicone or Pledge but wipe excess off. I would not use oil unless really wiped off as it will just attract dirt. I think Mid America actually recommended silicone or pledge also. Mid America beds will gall easily if dry and or you slide the components by hand too fast on the rail.
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Silicone = Bad in the shop imo.
If by chance it gets on any woods you may have problems with finishing.
It may show up right away or down the road with adhesion problems.
 
BarenbruggeCues said:
Silicone = Bad in the shop imo.
If by chance it gets on any woods you may have problems with finishing.
It may show up right away or down the road with adhesion problems.
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I fully understand that and am a very long time woodworker and finisher my self. As to its use on a lathe bed, just spray a little splotch on a wadded up piece of paper towel like I do and you are fine. No overspray, rub the bed a few timed and wipe off. Easy peezzy, your needs or usage may vary though. I worked and retired from the corporation that makes pledge and am very well versed in the effects of silicones as to finishing.
Was just a suggestion, and also one that was recommended by the lathe manufacture that I have, and if I remember right the one that Goldcrown has, so I thought it was appropriate seeing as how that brand can have a galling issue if used wrong.
 
Bostik brand has some dry lubes that are sold in a lot of woodworking stores that personally I would be more inclined to use (and have used) and feel more comfortable using around my woods.
That being said, I don't own one of the aftermarket type cue lathes so I'm using something totally different on the lathes I use.
 
muskyed said:
I fully understand that and am a very long time woodworker and finisher my self. As to its use on a lathe bed, just spray a little splotch on a wadded up piece of paper towel like I do and you are fine. No overspray, rub the bed a few timed and wipe off. Easy peezzy, your needs or usage may vary though. I worked and retired from the corporation that makes pledge and am very well versed in the effects of silicones as to finishing.
Was just a suggestion, and also one that was recommended by the lathe manufacture that I have, and if I remember right the one that Goldcrown has, so I thought it was appropriate seeing as how that brand can have a galling issue if used wrong.
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This is what I use. A little on a paper towel, then wipe clean. Works great. Never had a problem but I could see an issue arising if you’re spraying around carelessly.
 
Reason I asked about the lube...there is a lightly applied dark grease on the base of the cross slide.
 
Tom1234 said:
I use a dry lubricant and then my electric polisher to really make the bed slick. The headstock glides smoothly on the bed as do the cross slides.
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What is it you use? I would love to find a dry lubricant that works as good as oil.
 
cueman said:
What is it you use? I would love to find a dry lubricant that works as good as oil.
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Chris. Your Micro ll is a masterpiece of a lathe. Only complaint is I do not use it enough. Currently working on a BloodWood cane.
BTW.. the replacement threaded rod for cross slide worked out great. Thanks for the fast service.
 
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cueman said:
What is it you use? I would love to find a dry lubricant that works as good as oil.
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I think the brand is Blaster (Home Depot). I’ve tried all kinds of oil, but it still attracts wood, dust, you name it. I also put the dry lube on the headstock and tailstock and cross slide. Woodcraft also has small adhesive strips of a slick material that I would love to find a way to attach to the bed and head/tail stock. I think this might lead to adjustments I may not be capable of making.
 
Seems I may be doing it different than everyone on here, i was using a little automatic transmission fluid thinned with acetone, about 1 to 1, then wipe it pretty clean.
 
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