Cleaning of old lathe

[Buetaler]

I have started by cleaning an old Maximat lathe.
Here are some good tips on how to most easily clean under the bed ways, where there are many corners and not so much space.

Can I use som chemicals and a high-pressure cleaner?

 

[markba633csi]

I like to use an old paintbrush and mild solvent like mineral spirits or Coleman camp fuel (naphtha), with a shallow aluminum pan underneath
to catch the drips
You can "baste" with the brush repeatedly like a turkey
No need to use high pressure- unless you want greasy gunk flying all over your work area

Once de-greased apply a light oil to prevent rust on the sliding surfaces

 

[ChazzC]

What Mark said. Cheap toothbrushes are handy, too.

 

[markba633csi]

Oh yes, save those old toothbrushes- 1001 uses

 

[GeneT45]

I like the stiffer bristles of "all purpose brushes". https://www.amazon.com/Otis-Technology-Brush-Bonus-Receiver/dp/B078VQJB59 (Link grabbed for illustration, you can get them much cheaper - but note that the expensive ones are still cheaper than toothbrushes...)

I'm a big fan of these Calbico tools (use with patches / paper towels) for cleaning nooks and crannies as well: https://www.amazon.com/Calbico-Channel-Cleaning-Tool/dp/B01674UC3C

Zep 505 fast degreaser is great (for grease) - but water based, so make sure you oil when everything is dry. Alcohol (of the isopropyl persuasion) works well on old oil and grease as well.

GsT

 

[MikeInOr]

Mineral Spirits is a good idea. I often use WD40 for the spraying action and little tube to get into the tight places.

I am not sure how you would pressurize mineral spirits but if you could figure out some pump up sprayer to do so it would be a lot cheaper than WD40.

 

[GrifterGuru]

Mineral Spirits is a good idea. I often use WD40 for the spraying action and little tube to get into the tight places.

I am not sure how you would pressurize mineral spirits but if you could figure out some pump up sprayer to do so it would be a lot cheaper than WD40.

Use a WD40 atomiser bottle set to spray-a-stream rather than spray-a-mist. That usually has a good pressure behind it, but not enough to remove ground in/embedded dirt.

Alternatively, an airbrush or small spray-gun is also a good option if it can handle 60psi.

 

[ChazzC]

Mineral Spirits is a good idea. I often use WD40 for the spraying action and little tube to get into the tight places.

I am not sure how you would pressurize mineral spirits but if you could figure out some pump up sprayer to do so it would be a lot cheaper than WD40.

Something like this:

https://a.co/d/aJOEm0g

 

[coolidge]

Something like this:
View attachment 507266

https://a.co/d/aJOEm0g

My brother used those in his road racing motorcycle suspension manufacturing business.

 

[Buetaler]

Many thanks for your suggestions.

I will try with WD40, mineral spirits, some brushes and my lack of patience.
The lathe hasn't been used for 45 years, so it's some hard hardened oil that needs to be removed, and there isn't much room to get around the corners.
If I lose patience, I'll probably try to soak it in mineral spirits and then try to rinse it off with the pressure washer.