Headstock Lube

[PBMAX84]

What should I use to lube the bearings (actually bronze- no new-fangled rollers or balls here) on my antique Carroll- Jamieson lathe? It has cup oilers on each end. I have used various oils but don't really know what is correct.

 

[Ulma Doctor]

dependent on temperature, a 20wt non detergent will suffice for most lathes

 

[PBMAX84]

I didn't mention but it's a cone head. No gearbox involved.

 

[matthewsx]

That's it, oil and plenty of it. It's a total loss system which means if it's not dripping out the bottom you need to add more.

John

 

[whitmore]

What should I use to lube the bearings (actually bronze- no new-fangled rollers or balls here) on my antique Carroll- Jamieson lathe? It has cup oilers on each end. I have used various oils but don't really know what is correct.

There may be felt wicks in the cups; if so, a light oil (5W or 10W, aka "ISO 32" ) that slowly drains through the wick is
appropriate. This fellow has a good design, and test regime, for getting the oil to the
spindle. Make Driip Oilers