EVS Toolroom Lathes | M A I N T E N A N C E | For Machines Mfg. Since 7/09 |
Lubrication
Headstock
Oil Type .. Mobil DTE Light or ISO 32 Equivalent
Oil Amount | 7.5 Liters |
Check/Add Frequency | Daily |
Change Frequency | Annually |
The headstock lubrication system is the most important lubrication system on the machine. It consists of an electric oil pump, a low oil pressure kill switch, a holding tank, oil lines, and a distribution manifold. The headstock has a series of oil lines that direct oil to key locations, such as the spindle bearings and headstock gearing, to ensure that they always remain well lubricated.
The oil pump automatically turns ON and begins oiling the headstock components when the main power switch is turned ON and the emergency stop button is reset. The oil is pumped before the spindle is started to protect the spindle bearings against potential damage from dry starts.
Checking & Adding Oil
The sight glass on the side of the headstock oil tank, shown in Figure 109, shows the oil level and temperature; the bottom line represents the minimum oil level and the top line represents the maximum oil level. The lathe must be powered down and stopped when to get an accurate reading on the oil level.
Oil Fill
Spout
Sight Glass
Headstock
Oil
Tank
Figure 108. Headstock oil tank & components.
When the oil level approaches the minimum line, add enough oil to bring it up to the maximum line.
Monitoring Oil Temperature
During operations, regularly monitor the oil temperature shown in the sight glass in Figure 109. The temperature of the headstock oil must remain under 170° F. or the oil will start to overheat and break down, causing it to lose its lubrication properties.
Under normal conditions, the oil should not reach 170° F.; however, if it does, shut down the machine and allow the oil to cool. Investigate why the oil is getting so hot. Possibilities may be poor ventilation, excessive work loads, poor oil quality, oil is breaking down (losing lubricity) due to long term use, or extreme work site temperatures.
If possible, correct the conditions causing the oil to get hot. If the oil is old or you suspect it is of poor quality, change it. If the work loads or working environment are extreme, reduce the duty cycle of the lathe to allow the oil to cool down when it gets hot.
If the oil temperature ever exceeds 170° F., change it as soon as possible to make sure the spindle bearings have high quality lubrication.
Verifying Oil Pump Operation
To prevent costly damage to the headstock gears and bearings, a kill switch will shut the lathe down if the oil pump stops working or the oil level is too low. You can verify that the pump is working by looking at the sight glass shown in Figure 109. When working correctly, oil can be seen flowing across the sight glass.
Headstock Oil |
Sight Glass |
