Supermax YCM-40 oiling questions

[radioactive]

I don't have a manual for the milling machine, only for the old control system. The machine has an auto lube system that appears to run anytime the machine is on.

A couple of questions, what kind of oil do I use in it? It looks like it oils the ballscrews, spindle, weighs (sp?), etc.

And does the auto lube system cover everything or do you still have to follow the directions on the side of the machine? See pic below for what the label says...

I do see a few grease zerts on the machine...

Thanks!

[davereagan]

Regular 20 weight (ISO 68) way oil should be fine.

[radioactive]

Ok, did some searching and found that alot of people recommend an ISO 68 oil as mentioned above (Hangsterfer's 1 gal is $24) or a Mobil Vactra #2 way oil 1 gal is $15. I also read that for spindles you should use a spindle oil like Mobil Velocite # 10 spindle oil.

Does it matter that my autolube system is all fed from the same container and the spindle will get the same oil as going to the ways? I assume it isn't a big deal and will probably go with the Mobil Vactra # 2 way oil unless someone has a good reason why I shouldn't?

Thanks

[davereagan]

I am nearly positive that the bearings in your spindle are sealed with grease inside. The oil for the spindle I believe is just to lubricate the sliding action of the quill, so way oil would be perfect. Velocite is for spindles that have an oil mist lube system,

David

[radioactive]

OK, that would make sense. Thanks...

[davereagan]

If I were you, I'd go to Walmart and pickup a gallon of bar and chain oil normally used for chainsaws. I'm pretty sure it's 20 or 30 weight oil with some anti sling additive. It used to be $4.88/ gallon and even now it's no more than $8.00 I've even considered using it in my CNC, but the Way oil I used has no phosphorous, I was told gives phosphorous gives rise to bacteria growth in coolant and that it does exist in other oils. Whether it's true or not, it doesn't apply with your machine if you don't have a sump.