Gear oil.

[verbotenwhisky]

I always wondered how the snake oil knows which parts to replate? Some parts may not need it.

Look at the old advertising example with the gears, and remember that is exactly what is in a gear box.

 

[CJ5Dave]

I think Bridgeport only made one gearbox style power feed. The rest used a variable speed motor. Seems like the motor that drives it (mine is burnt up and in the shed) was either 1100 or 1750 rpm. That shaft spinning that fast should get some oil everywhere. If Bridgeport thought it needed to be over the top of al the gears, they would have designed it that way. The 2 bearings in the top that support the crank and dial are above the oil level and seemed to survive in that application.

 

[todd281]

I am sure that Bridgeport had it planned to work properly. I am trying to take care of it in the best way I can. I see that these gearboxes have had some failures. I am sure that is in part, due to age. With the newer oils and additives available today, I thought that maybe there is some product that would help in insuring the lifespan. All the replies here have given me "food for thought " and all are appreciated. The motor on mine is 220 three phase and is out to an electric motor repair shop. I took both of the motors there to have them checked out before I put them back in service.