Oiling the ways of a Unimat - what to use ?

[STEMtheMachining]

I recently got a Unimat SL, and I was wondering what you guys use for lubricating the ways.

Do you guys use way oil, instrument oil, or something else ?

And how often do you lube the ways?

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[Chip Hacket]

Well, hello fellow Tar Heel. Congrats on the Unimat, I'm sure you'll have fun. I use Mobil Vactra No. 2 Way Oil iso 68. Just don't let the ways get dry and you should be fine. It's a little expensive but one gallon will last you a long time.

 

[STEMtheMachining]

Well, hello fellow Tar Heel. Congrats on the Unimat, I'm sure you'll have fun. I use Mobil Vactra No. 2 Way Oil iso 68. Just don't let the ways get dry and you should be fine. It's a little expensive but one gallon will last you a long time.

Sounds good, thanks.

I'll order some as soon as I can.

And thanks for the warm welcome on this not so warm morning!

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[markba633csi]

I wrap strips of bacon on mine- ... just kidding
Mine is so worn I hardly use anything nowdays- when it squeaks I put some 3-in-one on it

 

[Aaron_W]

I use way oil on my Sherline since I have it, but Sherline says 3 in 1 oil is fine on their machines. Taig recommends ATF or #2 way oil for their machines. Non detergent 20w or 30w oil was the factory recommendation for a lot of small vintage lathes.

 

[STEMtheMachining]

I wrap strips of bacon on mine- ... just kidding
Mine is so worn I hardly use anything nowdays- when it squeaks I put some 3-in-one on it

"...strips of bacon"


That explains the teeth marks in the cross slide.

I have some 3 in 1, but I was thinking it's a little viscous for proper way oil.



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[markba633csi]

3 in 1 is pretty light oil, perhaps should be something a bit thicker

 

[Aaron_W]

"...strips of bacon"


That explains the teeth marks in the cross slide.

I have some 3 in 1, but I was thinking it's a little viscous for proper way oil.



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3 in 1 oil is roughly 20w, Vactra #2 is ISO 68 which is also roughly 20w. Way oil has additives to make it "sticky" to help it cling to the ways better. I have a book on Unimat lathes (The book of the Unimat), I checked and there is no specific oil or grease listed in it to use with the lathe or milling head.

Any of the oils I mentioned above should be perfectly fine to use until you decide on one to stick with.

 

[Ulma Doctor]

I use ISO68 hydraulic fluid

 

[STEMtheMachining]

have a book on Unimat lathes (The book of the Unimat), I checked and there is no specific oil or grease listed in it to use with the lathe or milling head.

Now I know what I want for Christmas, thanks!


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