DRO rails -- lube, or just clean?

[Frank O]

My LMS 5550 mill has DRO sensors that ride on rails mounted on the X and Y axes:



Should the rail's surfaces that the sensors glide along just get cleaned? Or does a little lube (very thin oil) help? I can see an argument either way (lube decreases friction, but skipping lube might prevent gunking up the sensor).

 

[macardoso]

I think as long as it is clean then you are good.

 

[hwelecrepair]

I would put my vote in the clean section, not the lube. Alcohol and wipe it clean.

Jon

 

[addertooth]

You *might* get away with lube on Magnetic scales, but lube is a super bad idea on Optical Scales, as the lube can potentially seep into the microscopically fine grate which is how it measures movement.

 

[Janderso]

I just wipe down my mag scales once in a while

 

[Frank O]

Sounds like a strong consensus. Thanks to all.