Which way lube oil?

[WilliamD]

I want to get my machine optimal, and I've heard of using way oil to help keep the ways moving smooth. I see two different types of way oil at Enco, Mobil Vactra #2, and #4. They both say medium oil. This is going to be used on an Industrial Hobbies mill. Light duty use. I just don't want to keep using WD40.

[sch]

#2 is most appropriate for machines under 4-5 tons or so.
http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lub...a_Numbered.asp
This is the page on Mobil's website that discusses the
oil characteristics. There are a number of other Vactra's
for special purposes and other suppliers of way oil.
ISO 68 is about right for small machines.

[wildcat]

This is going to be used on an Industrial Hobbies mill. Light duty use.

I believe if you ask Aaron Moss he would say to use chainsaw chain lube. It has a lot of tackifiers in it so will stick to vertical surfaces. Personally I use the #2 and #4 stuff you mentioned on an IH mill. The stickier of the two on the verticals and the thinner on the horizontals. I also use it on the ball-screws.

[Zumba]

I use Vactra 2 on all my machines.

[WilliamD]

Thanks for the confirmation guys! I'm going to order a gallon of it. I hope it doesn't get used up too quickly. But I guess it's not really all that expensive.