- Joined
- Dec 25, 2017
- Messages
- 20
Hello, I have a Grizzly G4000 bench-top lathe (300lb 9"x19"). The ball oilier for the spindle bearing closest to the chuck has failed. The ball from the ball oiler dropped straight down into the oil passage. This made it difficult to add oil. I decided to remove the brass (press fit) ball oiler casing from the headstock using a tap - to get a better view of the blockage. After removal I still could see the ball bearing but could not remove it. The use of a tap turned out to be a bad idea because chips/debris ended up going down the oil passage making the blockage worse.
The ball bearing is about 1/8" in diameter and sits at the bottom of a 9/64"x2.5" hole. The ball and the machining debris seem to be resting on the outer casing of the spindle bearing - blocking the free flow of oil.
Currently I can only add oil by forcing it in at high pressure using a plastic oral syringe (one application ruins the syringe). I am looking for ideas on how to remove the blockage. I would like to avoid removing the headstock - but I fear that removal is the only practical solution. I wish I could turn the lathe upside down, I supect it the bearing would fall out, but that is beyond my capabilities.
I have tried using a magnet and seal pick to remove the oiler ball bearing. I have also tried using spray brake cleaner to clear the debris out of blockage. Both methods have been unsuccessful.
-Jason White
Updated at 7/14/18 5:10pm: added note that ball bearing is visible.
Updated at 7/14/18 5:25pm: added lathe dimensions
The ball bearing is about 1/8" in diameter and sits at the bottom of a 9/64"x2.5" hole. The ball and the machining debris seem to be resting on the outer casing of the spindle bearing - blocking the free flow of oil.
Currently I can only add oil by forcing it in at high pressure using a plastic oral syringe (one application ruins the syringe). I am looking for ideas on how to remove the blockage. I would like to avoid removing the headstock - but I fear that removal is the only practical solution. I wish I could turn the lathe upside down, I supect it the bearing would fall out, but that is beyond my capabilities.
I have tried using a magnet and seal pick to remove the oiler ball bearing. I have also tried using spray brake cleaner to clear the debris out of blockage. Both methods have been unsuccessful.
-Jason White
Updated at 7/14/18 5:10pm: added note that ball bearing is visible.
Updated at 7/14/18 5:25pm: added lathe dimensions
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