Slide and Leadscrew Lubrication?

[forrestc]

I just completed a build of a Rockcliff CNC router table. I was impressed with how easy the build was.

One question came up. I realize that the brass bearings are actually "self lubricating", however from reading on the manufacturer's website, it does sound like they need to be lubricated occasionally - it sounds like they are more like a sponge that gives up their oil as it's needed. The manufacturer makes it sound like taking out the bearing and soaking it in oil - obviously not an option in this case - is the typical method of doing this.

So my question is... to prolong the life of the machine, should I be (or not be) lubricating the slides and/or the 20TPI leadscrews and nylon nut? I could make an argument both ways, so I'm kinda wondering what others have done in the past.

If it matters, I'm primarily cutting ABS plastic on this machine, although that might change in the future.

-forrest

[rockcliff]

Originally Posted by forrestc I just completed a build of a Rockcliff CNC router table. I was impressed with how easy the build was. One question came up. I realize that the brass bearings are actually "self lubricating", however from reading on the manufacturer's website, it does sound like they need to be lubricated occasionally - it sounds like they are more like a sponge that gives up their oil as it's needed. The manufacturer makes it sound like taking out the bearing and soaking it in oil - obviously not an option in this case - is the typical method of doing this. So my question is... to prolong the life of the machine, should I be (or not be) lubricating the slides and/or the 20TPI leadscrews and nylon nut? I could make an argument both ways, so I'm kinda wondering what others have done in the past. If it matters, I'm primarily cutting ABS plastic on this machine, although that might change in the future. -forrest

Hi Forrest
Good to hear your machine build went easy, the bronze bearings will seep out more than enough lubrication, you should not have to lubricate them for this type of application, keep the rails as dry and clean as possible to keep chips and dust from sticking to a wet rail, if the rails were covered then I would say to lubricate, but without covers I would say no lubrication, you would be surprised how much oil is impregnated into them from the factory, One of our builders uses pencil lead on the screw, and says it works great, but I am sure you can purchase a dry type lube that will work too.
Nick
www.rockcliffmachine.com