Lathe Open Feed Gear Lubrication

[skeeljc]

I ended up using clear synthetic chain lube. It stays wet and stays on the gears. I used it on the open bearings that support the shaft that transfers power from the input to the output gears. It quieted the sound from the gears considerably. Getting all the gunk and chips out of the gears is what it really needed.

 

[skeeljc]

My Enco 13x40 lathe has a 80 tooth plastic gear between the two change gears. The lathe came with a steel 80 tooth gear (not installed). Is there any benefit to changing out the plastic gear for the steel one?

 

[Sniperhandle]

My Enco 13x40 lathe has a 80 tooth plastic gear between the two change gears. The lathe came with a steel 80 tooth gear (not installed). Is there any benefit to changing out the plastic gear for the steel one?

View attachment 1675797

They call that plastic gear a "Fuse Gear" in case of a crash, I think it was to save the cost of making a large gear. The person who was the original owner of mine purchased a metal 80 tooth gear when they were available. A lot of people have had to find replacements for the plastic gear. I am lucky to have the metal gear and the old plastic one that's in good condition.

 

[skeeljc]

I have both the metal and the plastic. Just looking for feedback on which one is better. I purchased the lathe new in 2000. The plastic one was installed, the steel one was included with the metric set of feed gears.

 

[WSnyder]

Easy button:

CRC Extreme Duty Open Gear & Chain Lube 03058​

I've used it. It can be extremely messy and hard to remove if you aren't careful when spraying it. In a tight gearbox it's kind of hard to keep it from over spraying. If you need a narrow or contained shot you might want to mask it or use some cardboard or something to block it out. It won't come out of your clothes and you might want to wear gloves if there's cleanup to be done. Otherwise it's great

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Those gears should be oiled. Not greased. Every time you run the lathe.

 

[Kiwishooter]

I have both the metal and the plastic. Just looking for feedback on which one is better. I purchased the lathe new in 2000. The plastic one was installed, the steel one was included with the metric set of feed gears.

The "plastic" gear is the best option to use, it acts as a "fuse" so that if you have a crash or something happens the plastic gear strips/fails avoiding, usually costly and expensive repairs, ie shear pin (if lucky) smaller metal gears, twist shaft etc
The "plastic" gear also makes the noise quieter from the gearset

I have made "plastic" gears to replace steel gears to quieten down the gear noise.