Metal lathe drilling

[buster]

I have a mini metal lathe and I was wondering if the dust/debris from drilling blanks will hurt it in any way. Thanks for the help.

 

[Blind_Squirrel]

Not if you clean it after you are done.

 

[wdcav1952]

Scott,

Brevity is the soul of <s>wit</s>/good information!
(with apologies to the Bard of Avon)

 

[buster]

What if I'm drilling multiple blanks at a time do I have to stop inbetween and clean or what. I just don't want to ruin my lathe that's all.

 

[wdcav1952]

Buster,

I don't have a metal lathe, but it seems logical to me to use good dust collection and have an air gun on your compressor to clean the lathe regularly as you work.

 

[skiprat]

When I first got my metal lathe, I was overly precious about trying to keep it spotless. I do all sort of stuff on it including CA'ing, rounding up PR blanks etc. I even do wet sanding on it. However, I often get called out at a moments notice so have frequently left it for weeks at a time before cleaning. [:I]

Now I just give it a real good cleaning when I clean my shop. No damage yet ( Touch wood!!! )

 

[buster]

Excellent ,thanks for the help.

 

[gerryr]

Bear in mind that metal lathes are generally run with some sort of coolant to keep the metal cooled while it's being machined. So, debris from drilling blanks is not likely to harm it.

 

[mick]

Originally posted by skiprat

When I first got my metal lathe, I was overly precious about trying to keep it spotless. I do all sort of stuff on it including CA'ing, rounding up PR blanks etc. I even do wet sanding on it. However, I often get called out at a moments notice so have frequently left it for weeks at a time before cleaning. [:I]

Now I just give it a real good cleaning when I clean my shop. No damage yet ( Touch wood!!! )

You're supposed to clean your lathe?

 

[bitshird]

Also not a good idea to blow you dust off with an air hose, it tends to force wood dust or metal shavings between the apron and the bed ways, a real cheap paint brush works well, along with an oil dampened rag, I do like and use mine for every thing, but wet sand with mineral spirits instead of water, and cover the bed ways with a shop towel or paper towel when applying CA.