New to me lathe oil questions

[Ninedriver]

Hello all,
My name is Steve and I’m new to the forum. I’ve been into metal working and fabricating for a number of years, however I’ve just recently entered the machining regime. I purchased a shopfox m1018 a couple of years ago and it’s severed me well, helped get my feet wet and realize I’d need to up my game if I wanted to further my skills. So, I recently acquired a “new to me” lathe from my uncle who’s unable to use it anymore. It’s a Taiwanese import circa 1986 branded Lux Cut. After relocating it to my garage/shop, spending multiple hours cleaning 30+ years of grime, giving it a solid once over, I want to make sure all the fluids (oil and grease) are new and correct before firing it up. I know it ran fine up until about a year ago when he stopped using it.

I’ve searched online and it appears there were many a lathe imported from Taiwan in the 80’s and early 90’s, all of which had subtle changes and multiple branding. I’m trying to track down an instruction manual for my lathe or at least something similar but in the meantime I was hoping someone may be familiar with these family of lathes and be able to offer some direction.

Here in lies the first of I’m sure many questions to follow. What types of oil should I use? There are 3 “oil level windows”, multiple ball oilers, holes under a plate above the transmission gear levers, grease fittings on the shafts in the side gear box, and of course the ways. I keep reading where ISO 68 is the “go to” oil but is all that created equal? I’ve also read where different oil is needed in the apron gear box vs spindle bearings? I’ve read where vactra 2 is the preferred way oil but should it be used elsewhere? Anyway, you see where I’m going. I need direction on any and all lubrications for this lathe.

Thanks in advance and I’m looking forward to being a part of these forums

Steve

 

[Ulma Doctor]

if you are in a region that doesn't freeze, ISO100 (SAE 30) is great oil.
i wouldn't get too hung up on the brand name, but you would never go wrong with Mobil oils
i have 2 1236 lathes that are cousins to you lathe
i use 30wt Non Detergent everywhere to simplify things
in cold climates ISO68 (SAE 20) is a bit better due to lower viscosity

 

[matthewsx]

Hello and Welcome


Nice looking machine, I have it’s twin branded Samson. You've probably come across this page, http://www.lathes.co.uk/taiwan/

Lots of good info there plus if you sign up for a membership here there's a whole downloads section with lots of info. I use "tractor oil" from TSC but any ISO68 hydraulic oil should work fine. The only thing you want to look out for are some modern oils that can attack brass or bronze components. Something that is listed as working with older models should be good, or just straight non-detergent oil from the auto parts store, we're not running these things in a factory setting so wear should be minimal, just oil the gear and bearing surfaces when you use it and make sure those site glasses are about half full.

You've come to the right place for any questions, enjoy the machine and your uncle while he's still with us. I'm sure he's glad to keep it in the family.

John

 

[T Bredehoft]

For parts that slide, compound on ways, gears on each other and shafts, Vactr2 No. 2 is the universal go-to oil. It's like motorcycle chain oil, won't be slung off. My lathe has no place for grease, I use V No 2 everywhere. including the enclosed gear boxes. Others will contribute information on grease.

 

[benmychree]

Vactra #2 also doubles as a circulating hydraulic oil. It is the go to way oil for all but large machines which may use a heavier Vactra grade.

 

[Aukai]

Besides the ISO ratings, does "Vactra" mean it has tackifiers, where the others do not?

 

[mksj]

I believe this may be a relabeled Jet lathe seems the same as the 1024PY series. See the attached manual. On the open gears, I would be careful of any oil or grease that could fly off onto the belts. I use a very light coating of impact grease on my open gears, it is very high viscosity clay based grease that sticks to the gears even at speed.

 

[benmychree]

Besides the ISO ratings, does "Vactra" mean it has tackifiers, where the others do not?

Yes, the Vactra series does have tackifiers.

 

[Ninedriver]

Wow guys, thanks so much for the speedy replies! I posted my question, went to the garage to wipe on and admire my “new” lathe, came back inside to all your responses and information. Awesome.

Sounds like the vactra 2 oil will serve all purposes. By all I mean; way oil, gear box oil, spindle bearing boxes oil?

I have some ‘mystik ISO 68 hydraulic oil” laying around but since I need vactra 2 oil for the ways I’m leaning towards getting a gallon of that for everything.
I attached a pic of what I have and the mobile oil I’m thinking about purchasing.
Thoughts?

Steve

 

[Ulma Doctor]

you are golden, you'll have years of fun now