To Wipe or Not to Wipe ? That is the question.

[ltlvt]

Definitely wipers. Clean 'em off or replace them once in a while. Those tiny chips, with precious little pressure on them, aren't going to materially increase wear in any form. And make your own, they aren't exactly rocket science, and you don't need the gold filling... ;-)

GsT

Do you have a source for felt? McMaster Carr is almost as expensive as Clausing.

 

[ltlvt]

You rang ? I've got friends in low places . Wipe !

You always make me smile... LOL

 

[GeneT45]

Do you have a source for felt? McMaster Carr is almost as expensive as Clausing.

I'd have said McMaster. The price is a lifetime of wipers, and since you're making them yourself it's wipers for your lathe, mill, and whatever else you might have. Looks like F3 strips are pretty inexpensive (given that it's 10ft).

GsT

 

[mksj]

I previously added some1/4" high density (F1) wool felt between a wiper and the carriage which minimizes the amount swarf that gets stuck to the felt. I bought a 12x12" sheet (might have been McMaster-Carr). Some previous posts. On my current lathe it has rubber wiper seals, at the end of each use period I pump oil under the ways to push out any particles. If using abrasives materials would want to change the felt more frequently. Often people make a carrier to sandwich the felt in place, and also have a means to pump oil into the felt.

https://www.zoro.com/zoro-select-felt-sheets-bulk-fs-f1-16/i/G105658257/

https://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/lets-talk-way-wipers.59841/#post-493349
https://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/shop-made-way-wipers-for-1340gt.59182/#post-487688