Basic Lathe Maintenance Questions

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T

Tage

Member
Joined
Dec 1, 2010
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279
Location
NJ
Newbie question alert.....
I have a Rigid WL 1200 lathe (I know it gets crummy reviews, but the price was right - i.e. free) and it's been good to me so far. I plan on keeping it until my skills outgrow it (that could be a long time), or my budget allows an upgrade (that could be a longer time!).

So my question is, what do I need to do on a regular basis in terms of keeping this in good working order. Any cleaning, lubrication, etc. that need to be done. At this point, I vacuum it off after use and try to get the motor as best I can. I inspect the belt periodically and that seems fine. I'm sure there are things I'm missing, however.

Thanks in advance!
 
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All I do to my lathe is clean it good about once every week or so by vacuuming it, blow it out good with air compressor and wax the ways, bottom of tailstock, and any other part I think could use it. I run a stiff round brush through the head stock spindle occasionally also.
 
Paul - thanks for the tips.
Rob - I'll have to order a back issue of the magazine. Looks like a lot of good articles in that issue. Thanks.
 
As an aside; If you join AAW (American Association of Woodturners) you will get access to their library of ALL their back issues.

A fantastic deal it seems to me.
 
Replacement belt

While you can still read the belt label, make note of it's part number. Record it inside the belt cover. ORDER a new one, don't let a broken belt put you out of business at 10 PM on Saturday nite!:biggrin:
 
Randy - Sounds like a good deal on the AAW. I'll look into it. Thanks,
Bill - Sounds like you have some personal experience with that? I'll write it down when I get home. Great idea! Thanks.
 
Pick up a taper mate. Craft USA, woodcraft & others carry them. The perfect thing for cleaning the Morse tapers in head & tail stocks you can get dust etc in there and not get a proper seat when you change things. For reference the article mentioned is in wood turning design. Joining AAW will not get you access to that article, their magazine is American WoodTurner. That said I am a proud member of AAW and it is an excellent organization, Just don't want to see you disappointed.
 
Thanks for the heads-up Dale. I'll look into ordering a back issue from the website. Taper mate, I'll look into that as well.
 
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