I have a J head which I've been using Vactra #2 way oil in for the spindle. After topping off the oiler at night, I end up with a puddle of lube on my vise the next morning. Is this normal or should I be looking into a rebuild ?

Normal but I thought it shoild be a light spindle oil.

George

Mine drips oil to. A little more then I would like to see how ever given that the machine is 25 years old it leaks less then my car probably does..hehe Becides the oil is light and wipes pretty easy.

I've learned to leave a rag on the machine and to put put a paper towel screen the first time I spin it up after sitting a day or 2 else I'll get splattered..hehe

b.

Yup. Normal.

Getting nice clean oil out of the spindle is comforting - it lets you know your spindle bearings are clean and happy. It also lets you know that the oil labyrinth 'seal' at the spindle end is sealed as it should be, keeping debris out of the lower spindle bearing.

I would recommend using a different oil for the spindle bearings - not way lube, but I can't say for sure that way lube would be bad for the bearings.

EDIT*** See this thread:
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=12;t=001083;p=0

Scott

Thanks everyone for your input. I guess I'll need to invest in a shop apron !

BTW, I have a Trak MP10 DRO which I can't figure how to set the absolute origin other than to cycle the power. I was able to set the relative origin.

The buttons are X, Y, PRESET, INC/ABS, RSTR, and IN/mm. I've tried a number of different sequences button haven't stumbled on the right ones yet.

Its an older unit and Southwestern wasn't even able to help me out.