Hello All!
I have a South Bend 34-BQ 13-Inch from 1922. When I got it (in pieces) many years ago, I called South Bend & spoke with a technician about selecting proper oil. She told me to use Mobil Velocite Number 10 Heavy Medium Spindle Oil ISO VG22. But, I either didn't ask or forgot how much to feed the bearings.
I believe the bearings are bronze. The bearings are two-piece and the top half has holes & grooves in it to let oil move around the shaft. There's a photo attached where you can see part of one bearing.
Long ago, I installed McCoy type oilers above each headstock bearing. (Originally they had bolts in the holes.)
I've got the oilers adjusted to deliver one drop every 30 seconds. I did some bench testing & found that I am delivering 1-1/2 ml per hour (About 0.051 fluid oz or 1/3 teaspoon per hour).
During use, oil does leave the bearings and flows down the casting, so at least I know the oil is getting to the bearings & hopefully the shaft.
I have felt the bearing caps during use & they stay relatively cool. My maximum available spindle speed is 1064 rpm, but I very rarely use that speed. (For general work, I often end up using 420 or 271 rpm.)
Do you all think I am delivering enough oil to protect the bearings?
Conversely, am I giving it too much oil?
Thanks For Sharing Your Knowledge!
Paul
I have a South Bend 34-BQ 13-Inch from 1922. When I got it (in pieces) many years ago, I called South Bend & spoke with a technician about selecting proper oil. She told me to use Mobil Velocite Number 10 Heavy Medium Spindle Oil ISO VG22. But, I either didn't ask or forgot how much to feed the bearings.
I believe the bearings are bronze. The bearings are two-piece and the top half has holes & grooves in it to let oil move around the shaft. There's a photo attached where you can see part of one bearing.
Long ago, I installed McCoy type oilers above each headstock bearing. (Originally they had bolts in the holes.)
I've got the oilers adjusted to deliver one drop every 30 seconds. I did some bench testing & found that I am delivering 1-1/2 ml per hour (About 0.051 fluid oz or 1/3 teaspoon per hour).
During use, oil does leave the bearings and flows down the casting, so at least I know the oil is getting to the bearings & hopefully the shaft.
I have felt the bearing caps during use & they stay relatively cool. My maximum available spindle speed is 1064 rpm, but I very rarely use that speed. (For general work, I often end up using 420 or 271 rpm.)
Do you all think I am delivering enough oil to protect the bearings?
Conversely, am I giving it too much oil?
Thanks For Sharing Your Knowledge!
Paul