Power Punch EP Gear Oil Additive - How Much Do You Use?

[frostheave]

I have read at least a couple of posts where people have used Power Punch in their lathes and have been happy with it. I have an Optimum BF30 mill with a Very noisy gearbox and thought I'd give the Power Punch a try. I also have a new Grizzly G4003G lathe arriving later this week and will add it to that gearbox, after the break-in is complete. The directions say, Use 10% to 50% by Volume. My question is, what percentage of PP do you recommend?

Thanks for your help!

 

[frostheave]

After further searching, I see that both Chipbuff and Bob in Oregon are using Power Punch by adding 8 ounces to the headstock. The capacity of the headstock is 3.5 quarts, which is 112 ounces. Therefore, a 7.1% concentration of additive is being used.

Since the recommended amount of additive is 10% to 50%, I am thinking of using a full bottle in the headstock. This would be 16 ounces of additive out of a total of 112 ounces, a concentration of 14.3%. Might this be too much?

 

[drs23]

After further searching, I see that both Chipbuff and Bob in Oregon are using Power Punch by adding 8 ounces to the headstock. The capacity of the headstock is 3.5 quarts, which is 112 ounces. Therefore, a 7.1% concentration of additive is being used.

Since the recommended amount of additive is 10% to 50%, I am thinking of using a full bottle in the headstock. This would be 16 ounces of additive out of a total of 112 ounces, a concentration of 14.3%. Might this be too much?

I bought two bottles and arrived at the same conclusion you did. I used a whole bottle and have one for the next oil change. I can't speak to your mill but it sure made a noticeable difference in my G4003G.

When you get your lathe do your due diligence as far as cleaning and while doing so check for loose fasteners as well. I found a few that were finger tight. After the thorough cleaning, fastener check, securing to the floor and leveling (very important!) you're in business. After you complete your break in I think you'll be very pleased with your choice of this machine. I know I and several others here have been.

I've recently installed a DRO on mine and really am loving it and will even more so after I break through the learning curve.

Happy turning!

 

[frostheave]

I bought two bottles and arrived at the same conclusion you did. I used a whole bottle and have one for the next oil change. I can't speak to your mill but it sure made a noticeable difference in my G4003G.

When you get your lathe do your due diligence as far as cleaning and while doing so check for loose fasteners as well. I found a few that were finger tight. After the thorough cleaning, fastener check, securing to the floor and leveling (very important!) you're in business. After you complete your break in I think you'll be very pleased with your choice of this machine. I know I and several others here have been.

I've recently installed a DRO on mine and really am loving it and will even more so after I break through the learning curve.

Happy turning!

Thanks for the info drs23. I will definitely be taking my time on the new lathe start-up. I am really looking forward to it. I already purchased an Aloris BXA tool post and 6 holders so that will be the first mod. As you have done, a DRO will be next. I am leaning towards the Dro Pros Lathe kit with glass scales, http://www.dropros.com/DRO_PROS_Lathe_Digital_Readout#DPLathes.

I really like the ease of install on their Magnetic Scales but I'm not sure if I want to spend the extra $400. Which DRO did you install? Did you have any issues installing the X-Axis scale? Can you still use the cross slide gib set screw or is it covered by the scale?

After the DRO, I really want to install a 3 phase motor and VFD. I have read many good things about that mod.

As far as the mill goes, I put about 15% power punch in the gear box with new ISO 100 oil earlier today. Unfortunately, it did not make any difference. The noise in my mill is due to poor gear meshing and a less than optimal BLDC motor driver design. That is according to the manufacturers rep that I talked to after receiving the new mill. I think the ultimate answer is a 3 phase motor, VFD, and a belt drive.

 

[Chipbuff]

I use the 8 oz. of Power Punch in the gear head for the simple reason that it was enough to quiet the gear noise. I would add more if necessary, but that amount seems to be enough. It is a very effective lubricant addative and adding more would not cause a problem if you choose to do so. Being in Alaska you may want consider cold weather operation with any of your gear lube viscosity choices. I also have a G4003G and it is really a great machine and in the price range I would not hesitate to buy it again. Good luck with yours...I think you will love it.

 

[frostheave]

I use the 8 oz. of Power Punch in the gear head for the simple reason that it was enough to quiet the gear noise. I would add more if necessary, but that amount seems to be enough. It is a very effective lubricant addative and adding more would not cause a problem if you choose to do so. Being in Alaska you may want consider cold weather operation with any of your gear lube viscosity choices. I also have a G4003G and it is really a great machine and in the price range I would not hesitate to buy it again. Good luck with yours...I think you will love it.

Thanks Chipbuff. It's great to hear the Power Punch quieted down your gear box. I think I'll try a full 16oz bottle since it won't hurt anything. At least I won't have to measure!

Luckily my shop here in Alaska is heated. I have a radiant heat slab that keeps the shop at 55 to 58 degrees in the winter. The new G4003G arrived on Wednesday and I am currently bolting it to the floor and leveling. Hopefully tomorrow I can break it in. The bolts that held the the tailstock end of the bed to the shipping pallet had loosened up and fell out, allowing the lathe to pivot around the headstock in the crate. Also, the bolt that holds the tailstock to the bed fell out and the tailstock could slide freely. I couldn't see any obvious damage. Hopefully it will level up ok and the 2 collar test will go smoothly. I have lots of pictures in case things don't go well.

 

[epanzella]

I agree with chipbuff on the G4003G, you're not gonna believe what a great machine it is for the money. Good luck with yours. I would also like to know about the x-slide DRO install. The one's I see on the web all seem to cover up the x-slide lock. Is there another way to do it or do you have to relocate the lock?
Ed P

 

[jgedde]

What's the viscosity of this stuff? Is it thick like "motor honey?"

I'm wondering why an EP additive would quiet down spur gears. They shouldn't need an extreme pressure (EP) additive.

I guessing it makes the lube climb like Lucas by having tackifiers (bad for an engine BTW). That can make spur gears quieter by adding a cushioning layer...

I too have a G4003. My gears aren't all that noisy, but the headstock bearings start to run fairly warm after extended turning at high speeds. You can certainly tell there are gears in there, but the noise isn't excessive. That said, the G4003G is no Monarch or Hardinge as far as quietness goes. We have Hardinge HLVs at work and those babies are nearly silent!

For the money, though, the G4003Gis a great buy!

John

 

[frostheave]

I agree with chipbuff on the G4003G, you're not gonna believe what a great machine it is for the money. Good luck with yours. I would also like to know about the x-slide DRO install. The one's I see on the web all seem to cover up the x-slide lock. Is there another way to do it or do you have to relocate the lock?
Ed P

Hi Ed. I ended up buying the 8x40 Lathe specific DRO with magnetic scales from DRO Pros. Bill at DRO Pros said they have installed the X scale on the headstock side of the cross slide, keeping the cross slide lock accessible. He said it works well. I will be calling him back when I install mine to get more info. I will try to post a write up when I install my DRO.

Bob J

 

[frostheave]

What's the viscosity of this stuff? Is it thick like "motor honey?"

I'm wondering why an EP additive would quiet down spur gears. They shouldn't need an extreme pressure (EP) additive.

I guessing it makes the lube climb like Lucas by having tackifiers (bad for an engine BTW). That can make spur gears quieter by adding a cushioning layer...

I too have a G4003. My gears aren't all that noisy, but the headstock bearings start to run fairly warm after extended turning at high speeds. You can certainly tell there are gears in there, but the noise isn't excessive. That said, the G4003G is no Monarch or Hardinge as far as quietness goes. We have Hardinge HLVs at work and those babies are nearly silent!

For the money, though, the G4003Gis a great buy!

John

John, I'm not sure what the viscosity of the Power Punch is but it is pretty thick. I partially filled a clear measuring cup with Chevron Maropa 100, which is equivalent to Mobil 600 XP 100, and available locally here in Fairbanks for $80 per 5 gallons. I then added the the Power Punch to the cup and it stayed suspended in a blob, kind of like in a Lava Lamp. Before pouring it into my mill gearbox, I mixed it with the oil in the measuring cup and it blended well. Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture. I will take one before I add it and new oil to the lathe gearbox after break-in.

It sure would be nice to have a 10EE or a Hardinge but the budget will not allow that. So, I figure the best I can do is the G4003G and equip it as well as possible. I just finished bolting it to the floor and am now leveling it. Next will be a new Aloris BXA tool post and the DRO Pros DRO.

Bob J