Proper and regular lathe maintenance is vital to ensure the machine's functionality and the user's safety. Preventative lathe maintenance, where potential problems are averted through constant upkeep, is as important as repair and can avert unnecessary expenditures. The best tips for lathe maintenance are to create a checklist covering all parts of the machine and to review the machine thoroughly, using this list, as frequently as possible. By developing a detailed checklist, keeping the machine clean, and searching for potential wear in parts before they become a problem, regular lathe maintenance helps promote a long, safe, and effective lathe service life.
It is vital not to miss any important parts of the machine when conducting lathe maintenance. Some of these parts are readily viewable on the machines surface while others might require an internal view. Drive belts are what carry power from the motor. They are normally housed behind an encasement called an end guard. These should be checked regularly to ensure suitable tension and consistency. With time and use, they will naturally wear out and require replacement. Since drive belts come as a set, it is important to replace the whole set as opposed to only one of the belts.
Gibs are an important adjustable feature built into lathes. They serve as a kind of wedge when the moving parts that run along the lathe's slideways have, through constant friction, created too much space between themselves and the slideway, and no longer run smoothly. Screws are placed alongside a gib and can be adjusted so as to push the gib, a long piece of metal, into the space that has been lost through wear. It is important to adjust the gibs whenever necessary.
A lathe is a complicated instrument, and when drafting a checklist for lathe maintenance, all of its components should be included. A full inspection should always include its hydraulic system, coolant system, air filters, electrical components, headstock, and spindle. The machine must also be kept well-lubricated by regularly checking both spindle and way lube tanks.
Cleanliness is also paramount to a lathe's upkeep. Correct lathe maintenance involves the constant wiping down of the lathe's surfaces as well as servicing its wiper pads. These are sticky, oily pads found in most lathes and designed to keep small debris from disrupting the lathe's operation. They must be removed from the machine, cleaned, and re-oiled frequently. While such general preventative maintenance and upkeep might be carried out by even a novice, any complex repairs that involve dismantling the machine should always be left to specialists.