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Do your machines leak oil?
- Thread starter samthedog
- Start date
Leaking machines, I don't think your going to find many that don't leak some. Most machines have so many lubrication points, and have no way to contain the run off, so to me that's a total loss system. For instance, my mill will allways leak oil, it must have the oil cups topped up on every use. Its a total loss system, so if left sitting for days, it will have a nice puddle of oil on the table. But, clean fresh oil on the table is a good sign . My mill also has a 1-shot oiler for the screws, total loss again. Seems everywhere you put oil in on the mill, its going to come out. I rather be topping up all the oil cups daily, and oiling all the lube points, and having to wipe down the excess that leaks out, at least you know she is a well oiled machine!
My lathe on the other hand is a different story. My 41 Sidney has a full gear head that takes 12-quarts of oil. It has sight windows on the front and back of the headstock. The front shows you that the oil pump is working, the rear shows the oil level. The headstock on mine should not lose oil. The apron on the Sidney has a oil pump to pump oil to the saddle ways, and cross slide ways, and the apron should not leak oil either, but the oil passages where the oil exits to lube the ways will allways be wet with oil. All other regular lube points on my lathe will be total loss, and these are lube points with cups that need to be topped up on a daily basis.
As another poster has said, when you stop seeing the oil, it must mean your out of it. And that's not good! If your not wipeing up oil from the lube points on your machines, Id suspect they aren't getting enough. Leak free machines would be nice, but they need the oil to live a long happy life.
My lathe on the other hand is a different story. My 41 Sidney has a full gear head that takes 12-quarts of oil. It has sight windows on the front and back of the headstock. The front shows you that the oil pump is working, the rear shows the oil level. The headstock on mine should not lose oil. The apron on the Sidney has a oil pump to pump oil to the saddle ways, and cross slide ways, and the apron should not leak oil either, but the oil passages where the oil exits to lube the ways will allways be wet with oil. All other regular lube points on my lathe will be total loss, and these are lube points with cups that need to be topped up on a daily basis.
As another poster has said, when you stop seeing the oil, it must mean your out of it. And that's not good! If your not wipeing up oil from the lube points on your machines, Id suspect they aren't getting enough. Leak free machines would be nice, but they need the oil to live a long happy life.
For some reason I think of my mill and lathe as being precision = no leaks. I have loads of oil so topping up is never an issue. They have leaked from day one so it's not anything that has suddenly happened.
I try use manufacturer recommendations for the oil so I shed a tear each time I top up with my expensive oil
Paul.
I try use manufacturer recommendations for the oil so I shed a tear each time I top up with my expensive oil
Paul.
Paul,
Here's what I've noticed.... Most new production machines in any category costing less than 20 grand are made quickly. The castings are not finely detailed in the areas (other than the ways and main journal areas) that do not directly impact precision and accuracy. Also, the gasket materials tend to be crude fibers and not high-end synthetic materials. This leads to eventual leaks. It's a sign of the times. The old iron that had splash or oil pump systems were made when labor costs allowed higher detail. Of course, those machines are suffering the signs of age and the gaskets are simply shot and need replacement. Rubber against metal -the metal always wins.
Once you get past home-shop, manual, affordable stuff, you immediately jump into the $20,000+ category. Everything there is full or partial CNC and of course, the costs go well beyond 20 grand. Also, for equipment like that, buyers usually purchase a service contract which has an annual maintenance fee (typically 10% or more) of the purchase cost -and that only covers the hardware -not the software maintenance fees.
I know this doesn't make you feel any better but, just letting you know this is how the cookie crumbles.
Ray
Here's what I've noticed.... Most new production machines in any category costing less than 20 grand are made quickly. The castings are not finely detailed in the areas (other than the ways and main journal areas) that do not directly impact precision and accuracy. Also, the gasket materials tend to be crude fibers and not high-end synthetic materials. This leads to eventual leaks. It's a sign of the times. The old iron that had splash or oil pump systems were made when labor costs allowed higher detail. Of course, those machines are suffering the signs of age and the gaskets are simply shot and need replacement. Rubber against metal -the metal always wins.
Once you get past home-shop, manual, affordable stuff, you immediately jump into the $20,000+ category. Everything there is full or partial CNC and of course, the costs go well beyond 20 grand. Also, for equipment like that, buyers usually purchase a service contract which has an annual maintenance fee (typically 10% or more) of the purchase cost -and that only covers the hardware -not the software maintenance fees.
I know this doesn't make you feel any better but, just letting you know this is how the cookie crumbles.
Ray
For some reason I think of my mill and lathe as being precision = no leaks. I have loads of oil so topping up is never an issue. They have leaked from day one so it's not anything that has suddenly happened.
I try use manufacturer recommendations for the oil so I shed a tear each time I top up with my expensive oil
Paul.
Ray, my machines were built in the 50's so they have held up very well considering their age. When I am in my 60's I imagine I might leak a little too. I think this desire to have everything perfect comes from the likes of Garage Journal forum and those kinds of places. Maintenance, wear and tear are a fact of life and I have come to accept that, although it still annoys me that my machines leak. One fine day when I have no projects I'll take the machines apart. Considering their pedigree heritage I probably owe them that.
I gues my reason for starting this thread was to validate to myself and others that a leaky machine is not abnormal nor a sign of negligence. It's a fact of life for those who use old machines or are only in this as a hobby.
Paul.
I gues my reason for starting this thread was to validate to myself and others that a leaky machine is not abnormal nor a sign of negligence. It's a fact of life for those who use old machines or are only in this as a hobby.
Paul.
Most of my machines are 40's and 50's vintage, if they are not leaking then I have a problem!
Mine not only marks it's spot, it marks it's territory! :biggrin:
I have no worries of rust at least.
-Ron
Yep! Not huge leaks but I'll see a half teaspoon of oil end up on my milling vise if I don't use the mill for a week or two. It's coming from the spindle/quill. My lathe leaks a bit too, about as much, from under the QCGB. My hydraulic surface grinder leaks - by design! It even has a built in catch pan with a drain line running to a removable can in the back!
John
