Way lubrication

[LouStule]

In researching way oil I see that Mobile Vactra #2 way oil is pretty common. Going a little deeper I see that there is also a Vactra #1 and a Vactra #4 (possibly others too?). As I don't have the manuals for my Craftsman lathe or my Jet 626 mill, I'm not sure which one to get. I just have oil cups, no pump system. Any ideas? Thanks, Lou.

[Harold_V]

Vactra #2 is commonly used as way lube.

H

[Steggy]

Vactra #2 is commonly used as way lube.

Ditto what Harold said. In a pinch, non-detergent 10W-30 motor oil will work. However, better to spend the money to get the right stuff.

In any case, to paraphrase Richard J. Daley, lube early and lube often.

[Glenn Brooks]

I’ve heard people use hydraulic oil, and chain saw bar oil for way lube. vactra #2 is probably cheaper than bar oil...

Glenn

[ctwo]

Bar oil is $13 for a US gallon here locally. But I use Vactra #2 on my ways.

[LouStule]

Bar oil is $13 for a US gallon here locally. But I use Vactra #2 on my ways.

I just received my Vactra #2 and used it on my lathe. It is a noticeable improvement from any other oil I tried using. I'm sold.

[SteveM]

Vactra 4 is thicker and is intended to be used on vertical surfaces such as milling columns.

Steve

[ctwo]

For fun, I squirted some 30W automotive oil on my lathe ways. It seemed more slippery than usual. That went away quickly though, but I did not notice any stick-slip on my small 10" Logan. I might use it when lubing up some less often movements like the compound, because maybe it will find more nooks and crannies?

[Steggy]

For fun, I squirted some 30W automotive oil on my lathe ways. It seemed more slippery than usual. That went away quickly though, but I did not notice any stick-slip on my small 10" Logan. I might use it when lubing up some less often movements like the compound, because maybe it will find more nooks and crannies?

Why not use the right product and quit piddling around like that? You shouldn't be using your machine tools as lube oil guinea pigs.

[LouStule]

For fun, I squirted some 30W automotive oil on my lathe ways. It seemed more slippery than usual. That went away quickly though, but I did not notice any stick-slip on my small 10" Logan. I might use it when lubing up some less often movements like the compound, because maybe it will find more nooks and crannies?

I recently came across an unused surplus 5 gallon pail of Chevron Turbine Oil ISO 68. It is equivalent to SAE 20w. I'm now using it for general purpose lubrication on my lathe and mill with excellent results. (I also use Vactra #2 for way oil.)