Atlas Mill Lubrication

Hi All,
Can anyone tell me the proper lubricating oil for Atlas mills? I have heard 10 and 20 wt. non detergent. Any thoughts are appreciated.

SAE 10 non-detergent everywhere except on the gear teeth (heavy graphite outer gear lubricant is what the manual calls for but I use Lubriplate) and (only on the MH* model) on the rack teeth (cup grease). SAE 10 has gotten quite difficult to locate in most parts of the country except in the little Three-In-One cans, which is quite expensive if you calculate the cost per gallon. I use Mobile DTE Heavy Medium Circulating Oil (ISO 68). About $23/gal. last time I bought it.

Robert D.

I'm cleaning and reassembling an Atlas MFC which I recently purchased and have the same question about lubrication. I have a gallon of the oil mentioned by Robert D. and will use that where oil is required. What are people using for gear grease that is readily available in small quantities? I looked up Lubriplate and couldn't find it in any quantity smaller than a five gallon bucket. I couldn't find the type mentioned in the Atlas manual. The (original?) stuff I'm removing in the clean-up seems to be very clingy but not overly thick. I know there are a lot of these mills being used so I'm sure people have found products which work fine and I'd like to start out with an appropriate grease. I would appreciate any input ASAP since I won't be able to run the machine without grease on the gears!

Bill

Never mind. I found a source for Lubriplate in a small can.

Bill

I used dry graphite spray on the gears. I'm not sure if that was a good idea or not.

I think some is better than none! I'm not a fan of "dry" graphite type lube. I have been using a hydraulic oil "R&O" (rust and oxidation) and it seems to be working well, it's a "light" weight - comparable with "5" or "10" weight and penetrates very well. For the open gear I've used a wheel bearing grease , spread a layer with my fingers and wipe off any excess (blobs) with a clean towel/rag. I like to clean away and repeat/refresh every month or so. Also my machines are weekend warriors.. so use is light imho.