Problems with FRL on 1100

[CadRhino]

I bought a tormach FRL (filter regulator lubricator) with my machine since I have the PDB and ATC.
I have been using it for almost 4 years and the oil level has never dropped which made me nervous. I called tormach after the first few months to verify I gad it adjusted properly and it seemed like it might be. To get it really going I had to open the top plastic adjustment knobby open to the point air an oil would come out of it.
At the time the tormach tech recommended I open it up part way and put silicone over it to try and keep the air from coming out.
I wish now I had requested a new one since it was on warranty still.
Anyway, multiple times I have checked it by running air through the atc but the oil level doesn't ever change.
I have been adding drops of oil by hand into the orb and atc hoses to make sure those parts get oil.
Anyone else out there gave the same problem and how have you handled it?
I also wonder if the atc/orb don't pull enough air and for long enough to legally get lubricant into the lines.
I am attaching a photo of my FRL that I took a couple of days ago and the oil level is basically the same when I filled it four years ago.
Any thoughts?
Thanks

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[popspipes]

I have the same problem here with the oil level not going down, I usually open it way up and cycle it several time to get oil into the PDB.

I think the problem is that the air isnt on long enough to get the oiler to work ??

[Advil]

My FRL has leaked oil and air out the adjuster since day one. Also no droplets have ever formed in the sight gauge. A couple weeks ago it leaked enough to empty the reservoir. So I emailed support and they are sending a new one. Great support as usual. If it also leaks or I can't tell if oil is getting down the line I may just order a basic lubrictor from Automation Direct. This isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things but Tormach's FRL is not ultra cheap and should be very reliable. If it isn't then it's time for a new model.

[CadRhino]

Thanks for the recommendation,
I am getting my problematic FRL replaced too. Will have to take Mike's advice on opening it up every once in a shike to get oil flowing

My FRL has leaked oil and air out the adjuster since day one. Also no droplets have ever formed in the sight gauge. A couple weeks ago it leaked enough to empty the reservoir. So I emailed support and they are sending a new one. Great support as usual. If it also leaks or I can't tell if oil is getting down the line I may just order a basic lubrictor from Automation Direct. This isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things but Tormach's FRL is not ultra cheap and should be very reliable. If it isn't then it's time for a new model.

[CadRhino]

Hi Mike & all,
I was curious how you cycle your air to get the lubercation flowing. I am on path pilot now. When I was on Mach I use to just keep my atc air blast on. Can't do that in PP though.
Also, how does the air blast endure oil is getting to the orb cylinder?

Thanks

I have the same problem here with the oil level not going down, I usually open it way up and cycle it several time to get oil into the PDB.

I think the problem is that the air isnt on long enough to get the oiler to work ??

[tmarks11]

Just to put your mind at ease:

The manufacturer of the air cylinder that Tormach has in the PDB is spec'd as not requiring lubrication. It is built for an industrial application, under a usage pattern that far exceeds what it will ever see in the PDB.

So if your FRL hasn't been lubricating your PDB, it probably hasn't actually damaged anything.

[popspipes]

Hi Mike & all,
I was curious how you cycle your air to get the lubercation flowing. I am on path pilot now. When I was on Mach I use to just keep my atc air blast on. Can't do that in PP though.
Also, how does the air blast endure oil is getting to the orb cylinder?

Thanks

I just disconnect the line from the solenoid to the air cylinder, cycle it a few times holding the button in, this blows oil into the line then just reconnect is what I am doing.

[CadRhino]

That us good to know but I have an atc that does need pneumatic oil.

Just to put your mind at ease:

The manufacturer of the air cylinder that Tormach has in the PDB is spec'd as not requiring lubrication. It is built for an industrial application, under a usage pattern that far exceeds what it will ever see in the PDB.

So if your FRL hasn't been lubricating your PDB, it probably hasn't actually damaged anything.

[CadRhino]

Which button are you pushing - the pdb release button?
Thanks



QUOTE=popspipes;2066676]I just disconnect the line from the solenoid to the air cylinder, cycle it a few times holding the button in, this blows oil into the line then just reconnect is what I am doing.[/QUOTE]

[popspipes]

Which button are you pushing - the pdb release button?
Thanks



QUOTE=popspipes;2066676]I just disconnect the line from the solenoid to the air cylinder, cycle it a few times holding the button in, this blows oil into the line then just reconnect is what I am doing.

[/QUOTE]

yes, the release button

[CadRhino]

yes, the release button[/QUOTE]

- - - Updated - - -

yes, the release button[/QUOTE]



Thanks

[tmarks11]

That us good to know but I have an atc that does need pneumatic oil.

I wouldn't be surprised if the pneumatic cylinder in the ATC was also designed not to be lubricated.

I have always wondered; doesn't the airblast for TTS cleaning result in oil being sprayed on the tool shanks, which promotes them slipping?

[CadRhino]

There must be a good reason if tormach sells/recommends an FRL.

I wouldn't be surprised if the pneumatic cylinder in the ATC was also designed not to be lubricated.

I have always wondered; doesn't the airblast for TTS cleaning result in oil being sprayed on the tool shanks, which promotes them slipping?

[tmarks11]

There must be a good reason if tormach sells/recommends an FRL.

Filtration and water removal?

[CadRhino]

Every Tormach technician I have spoken with recommend pneumatic oiling. Can you post where you read the pdb and atc does not require periodic pneumatic oil.
Thanks

Filtration and water removal?

[tmarks11]

Every Tormach technician I have spoken with recommend pneumatic oiling. Can you post where you read the pdb and atc does not require periodic pneumatic oil.

I don't know about the ATC, since I don't know the brand/model of the pneumatic cylinder.

But for the PDB (you have to look in the PDF catalog linked from the product page):
C(D)Q2-Z, Compact Cylinder, Double Acting Single Rod | SMC Corporation of America


SMC does say elsewhere (can't find it right now) that lubrication is not required, but then goes on to recommend oil weight if you do lubricate it (which implies while lubrication won't help, it won't hurt).

[CadRhino]

Thanks for the reply.

The atc definitely requires pneumatic oil and tormach recommends it for their pdb too.

I don't know about the ATC, since I don't know the brand/model of the pneumatic cylinder.

But for the PDB (you have to look in the PDF catalog linked from the product page):
C(D)Q2-Z, Compact Cylinder, Double Acting Single Rod | SMC Corporation of America


SMC does say elsewhere (can't find it right now) that lubrication is not required, but then goes on to recommend oil weight if you do lubricate it (which implies while lubrication won't help, it won't hurt).

[IMT]

I have always wondered; doesn't the airblast for TTS cleaning result in oil being sprayed on the tool shanks, which promotes them slipping?

Certainly won't help the tool holder pull out issue. I don't have an ATC but I've found that I must clean my tool holders w/ acetone regularly or I get pullout.