Lathe cleaning

[Mike8623]

I have a g0709 lathe and need to give it a real good cleaning......what do you folks use to clean every little bit of gunk off of your lathe?

 

[benmychree]

Oil eater.

 

[Mike8623]

Ok......First time I heard of it, I'll try it

Thanks

 

[seasicksteve]

Purple power I dilute it with water and don’t let it linger longer necessary

 

[SWIGIN]

I like purple power too but I use it straight and in small areas at a time with a stiff brush.

 

[Nutfarmer]

W/D 40 or kerosene and have good ventilation. The problem I have with water based cleaners is removing the water to prevent rusting. My go to method at the farm is a high pressure washer. Then blow parts off with air followed by coating with oil if not being painted. Love the pressure washer for cleaning farm equipment.

 

[Shotgun]

Low-odor tiki-torch lamp fuel.
It's just kerosene with low odor.
Brush it on, let it sit for a few minutes. Clean up with that towel your wife didn't see you take.
If the gunk is really thick, brush on a heavy coat of motor oil on, and leave it for a day or two.
The idea is to get the gunk soft, and then it'll wipe off. Then you can come back with the spray degreaser for a final wipedown.

 

[benmychree]

Ok......First time I heard of it, I'll try it

Thanks

Oil eater if used full strength will soften some paints, it should be diluted with water; I never had a problem with it regarding rusting, if paint is softened, it will reharden in a short time.

 

[RandyM]

I use parts cleaner.

https://www.farmandfleet.com/produc...m_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=All Products&utm_term=4584070160850710&utm_content=All Products

 

[seasicksteve]

Oil eater if used full strength will soften some paints, it should be diluted with water; I never had a problem with it regarding rusting, if paint is softened, it will reharden in a short time.

Sound like it might be similar to purple power. Starting diluted a bit is a safe way to go . If the oil is not dried on for 50 years it will clean much quicker and a quick spray and then wipe is all that might be needed. As mention full power can soften paint if it is allowed to dwell. I make a point to be careful around data plates feed charts ect The cleaner can attack poorly silk screened letters and remove them