I found my banjo getting sticky, quill tightening up on my tailstock, and, of late, my Jacob’s chuck had spun in the tailstock when using a Forstner bit. Time to give my lathe some TLC. After researching, I came up with this maintenance list.
- Check all mounting bolts- they vibrate loose.
- Blow out belts, pulleys, bedways, motor, and electronics. Inspect belts.
- Clean Morse tapers. I used a tool, but some brake clean on a paper towel, pushed in with a small dowel cleaned a lot of gunk afterwards.
- Remove tailstock and banjo. Clean sliding part of undersides with steel wool. Clean with alcohol. Lubricate contact areas. Clean shaft and sliding collar on banjo, and lubricate. Occasionally removing shaft, cleaning pivots, and lubricating with something like anti- seize. Extend quill, or remove. Clean with scotchbrite or steel wool, wipe down with anlcohol, and lubricate. Be sure to clean and lubricate the clamping washers. Clean tool rest post and receiver. Use only dry lubricants, not things like WD40.
- File off any nicks on bedways. Check underside as well. Clean surface with steel wool, and I use WD40 to remove dust, or finishes (I know, I should cover my bedways before finishing). Wipe down using alcohol. Lubricate using a non oily lubricant or wax.
- File any nicks on tool rest. Sand smooth (320). ubricate with wax.
- Clean threads on headstock with a brass brush. File off any nicks.
- Blow out chucks. Check retaining bolts for tightness on jaws. Clean off any burrs on jaws. Spray dry lubricant on the gears. Disassemble and clean if really gunked up.
These are the steps I take to keep my lathe running properly. Bolts tend to vibrate loose. Belts wear out. Keeping a spare belt around may be a good idea. Paying attention for noises, or vibrations is key. Our club lathes have had pulley set screws come loose and rattle. My Laguna had a belt type squeak develop. I found the pivot bolt on the motor had vibrated loose. Another thing recommended was keeping dust out of my electronics box. I have covered mine loosely with cardboard to limit dust intrusion. Electronics tend to attract dust, which is a fire hazard, and can cause the electronics to fail. Sealing the on/off switch on the lathe with hot melt glue, or caulking would be suggested. I welcome any additional steps you may do to keep your lathe running good.