Advice sought on Lathe (machine tool) oils...

[RickM]

I'm reading through the owners manual for my Clausing Lathe and it requires two types of lubricant for the gearbox and other moving parts/mechanisms.

First is S.A.E. 20 oil. Sounds simple but I've seen different types such as #2 and #3V. ???

Next is S.A.E. 90 Hypoid gear oil. Not sounding so run of the mill....or is it used in automobile rear ends?

Any advice on places to get at reasonable cost or = > quality replacements?

[M.D. Holloway]

RickM - why in Gods name did you not call me? I am hurt! A tear is welling up in the corner of my eye the size of a cow turd!





OK - I'm better now. I forgive you. Now then, lesson 1= viscosity 101

SAE is the Society of Automotive Engineers. At sometime in the past they felt like dictating the viscosity range of oil for auto applications. Because we all drive, the classifacations stuck.

Now then, gear oil viscosity reccomendations are based on a bunch of factors such as speed, pitch diameter, torque, expected operating temp, even the very metal that is used. That being said, yu have two differnt viscosity requirements. An SAE 20 (which is a crankcase oil class) is in the range of an ISO 46 to a ISO 68. The SAE 90 (which is a true SAE gear oil class) is an ISO 150, ISO 220 or ISO 320. Pretty *****'n confusing I know. Makes a guy wonder which oil he is suppoesd to use! To make matter worse, the AGMA (American Gear Manufatures Association) has their on designations which is your #2 and #3 question.

Don't worry about anything. Send me a PM and let me know the amount of oil you need for each and I will send you some gratas!

(can't beat that price can ya!)

[RickM]

Thanks a milion Mike. Actually, I was hoping you'd post. I didn't want to bug you with a direct request.

My inquiry was spawned by the fact that the lathe is quite a few years old. I figured lubrication technology has changed quite a bit and perhaps alternate specs would be desirable.

I'll try to figure out how much I need and PM you. Thanks again!

[M.D. Holloway]

Rick - lubes are my career, my vocation, my hobby and my life. Yes I am a geek. I do not mind at all the questions. the interest, the debates, the requisitions or the begging. Anytime I can help, I will. It makes me feel useful and wanted!