Grease or oil for tool post base to compound?

[rficalora]

There was grease there when i disassembled it so I assume that's what should be used, but I've found enough wrong on this lathe I figured it's better to ask.

 

[Jim F]

Grease has no place in or on machine tools.

 

[aliva]

Be aware that grease will retain swarf were oil won't. I've always used oil and I'm sure most have.
The only place for grease could be used is on a scroll chuck for the pinions and gear, everything else should only have oil only. Some of the older model lathes may use grease in some of the bearings.

 

[rficalora]

Makes sense. That's what I understood. Then I saw a YouTube video of a guy restoring a lathe and he used grease on that part. I wasn't sure if he was wrong or if I was learning something. Then I took mine apart and found grease in it. I don't see any oil passages that would get oil to it, but I trust this group WAY more than YouTube so oil it is!

 

[great white]

Mine is always wiped clean before being installed. At best, there is a little residual oil from a wipe down, which helps control any rusting issues.

I've always looked at it as i don't want the cross slide to move once set and if there's an excess of lubricant between the two parts, the possibility of it moving are greatly increased.

Grease is a hard "no" for me.

 

[Richard King 2]

Grease has no place in or on machine tools.

Grease loads up with chips and dirt and acts like lapping compound. Use Way Oil. Like Vactra 2

 

[rficalora]

Thanks again everyone.

 

[Illinoyance]

If you want the compound to hold position under heavy cuts it is best to leave the parts dry.