I became aware of this only recently:
Do not use lubricants that contain sulfur, as in some greases and oils labeled as "EP," in contact with bronze bushings and bearings, or other copper-containing parts. Here is why:
The sulfur in these lubricants reacts chemically with the copper in the bronze bearings and can cause corrosion, spalling, and premature bearing failure.
Google Search for "EP Grease and Copper Alloys" produced a number of hits, two notable documents are:
https://books.google.com/books?id=aE...alloys&f=false
and
http://www.machinerylubrication.com/...itives-effects
Checking the lubricants I use with my lathe I found none that fall into this category except the high-sulfur thread cutting oil I use for some machining operations. I will need to be cognizant of any spillage that may contact the bronze bearings in the apron mechanisms while I am using that as a machining lubricant.
Spiral_Chips
Do not use lubricants that contain sulfur, as in some greases and oils labeled as "EP," in contact with bronze bushings and bearings, or other copper-containing parts. Here is why:
The sulfur in these lubricants reacts chemically with the copper in the bronze bearings and can cause corrosion, spalling, and premature bearing failure.
Google Search for "EP Grease and Copper Alloys" produced a number of hits, two notable documents are:
https://books.google.com/books?id=aE...alloys&f=false
and
http://www.machinerylubrication.com/...itives-effects
Checking the lubricants I use with my lathe I found none that fall into this category except the high-sulfur thread cutting oil I use for some machining operations. I will need to be cognizant of any spillage that may contact the bronze bearings in the apron mechanisms while I am using that as a machining lubricant.
Spiral_Chips
