1. Volume35 May, 1949 Number5
£ul rication
A Technical Publication Devoted to
the Selection and Use of Lubricants
THIS ISSUE
Machine Tool Lubrication
on the
Production Line
PUBLISHED BY
THE TEXAS COMPANY
TEXACO PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

2. Stop rust and sludge in your hydraulic sys-
tems by using Texaco Regal Oils (R & O)
as the hydraulic mediums. You’ll assure
smooth, uninterrupted production and
lower maintenancecosts.
Texaco Regal Oils (R &O) keep hydrau-
lic systems clean because they’re turbine-
grade oils with special additives to inhibit
rust and oxidation - and specially proc-
essed to prevent foaming. Youcan get them
in the correct viscosity for your equipment,
whateverits type or size.., and they’ll give
youlongerservice life than uninhibitedoils.
Leading manufacturers of hydraulic
equipment either recommendor approve
Texaco Regal Oils (R &O) . . and many
ship their units charged with them.
Let a Texaco Lubrication Engineer help
you get maximumefficiency and economy
from your hydraulically operated machines.
Just call the nearest of the morethan 2300
Texaco Wholesale Distributing Plants in
the 48 States, or write TheTexas Company,
135 East 42nd Street, NewYork 17, N. Y.

3. LUBRICATION
A TECHNICAL PUBLICATION DEVOTEDTO THE SELECTION AND USE OF LUBRICANTS
Publishedby
The Texas Company, 135 East 42nd Street, NewYork 17, N. Y.
Copyright 1949by TheTexasCompany
VoLxxxv May, 1949 No.5
Changeof Address:In reportingchangeof addresskindlygivebotholdandnewaddresses.
"Thecontents o[ ’LUBRICATION’are copyrightedandcannotbe reprintedby other publicationswithoutwritten
approvalandthen only providedthe article is quotedexactly andcredit givento THETEXASCOMPANY."
MachineTool Lubrication on the
Production Line
"’~" F AUTOMOBILESwere madetoday with the ma-
I machinetools of 1910, a single vehicle with
1949 refinements, would cost $60,000"-thus
estimated the AutomobileManufacturers Associa-
tion recently. Whata tribute to the advancements
madein machinetool design
duringthe last forty years.
Just as spectacular has
been the developmentof pe-
troleum technology during
this sameperiod. Modernre-
fining methodsso necessary
to removeundesirable com-
ponents of petroleumpr.od-
ucts and the use of various
additives to fortify or am-
plify desirable propertiesare
major advancements made
during the last several dec-
ades.
Asis true withpractically
all industries, advancements
madein one usually comple-
ment or makespossible ad-
vancementsin another. The
machinetools of today would~
clatter to a suddenstop if
they were lubricated with manyof the products
available in 1910. Onthe other hand, petroleum
refineries could not be operatedat economicalcosts
without modernmachinetools to producethe tens
of thousandsof parts so necessaryin their construc-
tion and operation.
Machinetools nowavailable are capableof turn-
ASIMPLIFIEDLubrication Plan Fot
MachineTools:--the theme of
this article, presentsa meansfor main-
tainingqualitylubrication,yet reduc-
ing costs of maintenanceandthe total
numberof lubricants used in a given
production shop to a minimum.
Theformulationof a simplifiedlu-
brication plan mustof necessity in-
cludea thoroughunderstandingof the
operatingcharacteristics of machine
tools and an intimate knowledgeof
lubricant recommendationsissued by
individualmachinetool builders. Such
a plan couldnot be effective without
the availability of recentlydeveloped
lubricants, particularly of the addi-
tive type. Theselubricantscanbe used
overa muchwiderrange of operating
conditionsthan waspossible withlu-
bricantsavailable nottoo longago.
ing out finished products at speeds and with an
accuracythat is astounding. Todo this, however,
it is necessarythat all the parts of a givenmachine
tool function properly. Onevery important factor
contributingto satisfactory performanceis effective
lubrication. Withoutthis, ac-
curacy maybe lost, oils may
overheat causing temporary
misalignment of machine
parts, or metal to metal con-
tact mayoccur causingrapid
wearor completeseizure be-
tweenmovingparts.
Importanttoo is the length
of time the lubricant "stays
put" in the machine.Mostlu-
bricants today-both greases
and oils - are manufactured
so as to withstandoxidation
and other deteriorating fac-
tors for muchlonger periods
than waspossible only a few
years ago.
Another important factor
in machinetool lubricationis
economy.Howcan the best
economyin lubrication and
maintenanceof machinetools be obtained?- Byin-
telligent lubrication, namely
1. Theuse of the right product for each require-
ment.
2. Byapplyingquality lubricants designedto pre-
vent wear and the formation of gum,sludge,
49]

4. LUBRICATION May, 1949
Figure ! - Automaticlubrication systemfor oiling this five spindle automaticbar machinemanufacturedby
The Warner & Swasey Company.
rust or foam,any of which,if permittedto de-
velop, can causeexcessivemaintenancebills.
Bymakinguse of a simplified lubrication plan
to reduce inventories and minimizethe possi-
bility of costlyerrors dueto a mix-upin products
used.
It is the purposeof this article to presenta sim-
plified lubrication plan for relatively large groups
of machinetools, to explain recent developments
in such tools whichaffect lubrication and to show
howeconomiesmaybe effected by the use of mod-
ern, quality-typelubricants available today.
IMPORTANCE OF EFFECTIVE
LUBRICATION
Effective lubrication of machinetools means
muchmorethan the use of the correct grade of
lubricant at the right place in sufficient quantity
to adeqt, ately lubricate movingsurfaces. It includes
also the use of products whichwill function over
long periods of time without appreciable changes
in theirphysical or chemicalcharacteristics, the
use of efficient filters wherenecessaryto keepout
contaminants, the application of the minimum
amountof lubricant necessary to prevent wastage,
and other similar factors. Onlywhenall such con-
ditions are taken into considerationcanlubrication
be assuredwhichwill result in continuoustrouble-
free operationover long periods of time a~ a mini-
i~lum cost.
Thepresent era has focussed muchmoreatten-
tion on lubrication than ever before. Primarily,
this is dueto twofactors:
(a) Therising cost of maintenancewhich fa-
vors automatic and positive meansof re-
lubrication.
(b) The development of precision machines
capableof muchhigher rates of production.
Thelatter, particularly, has beenresponsiblefor
increased attention being given to morecareful
selectionof lubricants.
It is unnecessaryfor machinetool operators to
determinethe grade of productto be used for each
bearingor gear in all the machinetools he operates.
Thisresponsibility, andrightfully so, lies withthe
machinetool manufacturerand lubricant supplier.
In years gone by, manymachinetool manufacturers
madeno lubricant recommendationsat all, or at
least, onlyvery meagerones. Eventhoughthis con-
dition still exists today with somemanufacturers,
the majority issue lubrication instructions giving
explicit advice as to proper lubrication of their
machines.Suchinstructions are prepared as a re-
sult of tests madeby the manufacturer,usually in
cooperation with lubrication engineers from one
or moreproducers of petroleumproducts.
Regardless of the diversity of such manufac-
turers’ recommendations,in any production plant
containing numerousmachinetools it is necessary
[ 50]

5. LUBRICATION
and economical to reduce the total numberof
lubricants used to an absolute minimum.Many
plants employa lubrication engineer, and if so,
this is his responsibility. In the majorityof produc-
tion shops, however,no employedlubrication engi-
neer is available andin such cases consolidationis
sponsoredby the oil supplier.
Oneof the factors which has madepossible the
consolidated or simplified plan presented herewith
is the tremendousadvancementmadein the quality
of petroleumproducts during the last decade. As
a result of improvementsmadein greases, for ex-
ample, only one grease is normally employednow
to meetall grease requirementsin a specific pro-
duction shop. For this reason, as a required pre-
requisite to anysimplifiedplan, it is necessarythat
the types of products available today be clearly
known.
Quality of Lubricants
Modernmachinetools equipped with anti-fric-
tion bearings and precision gears operating with
close tolerances and at high speeds, are in the
majority of cases equippedwith splash, bath, or
centralized lubricating systems. Suchsystemsre-
quire the use of the highest quality lubricants.
Experience has shownthat the use of "quality"
products reduces maintenancecosts, and improves
machineperformance.
Oils usedin reservoirs shouldbe so refined that
they are highly resistant to oxidation- otherwise
gumor sludge maybe formed, resulting in un-
necessary downtime to clean out the machine.In
addition it is highlydesirable that their properties
be further fortified by the incorporation of addi-
tives. Dependingupon the type of oils used and
the properties needed, various present day oils
contain additives to improveoxidation resistance,
to prevent rust formation, to overcomefoaming
due to entrained air and to increase extremepres-
sure, oiliness, or adhesivequalities.
Theacceptanceof the use of additives in petro-
leumlubricants is shownby the fact that in the
last fifteen years the additive manufacturingin-
dustry has grownuntil nowapproximately 1,500
barrels of additives are producedper day with an
annualvalue of $35,000,000.00.Themanybenefits
to be derivedby the use of additives in lubricants
will be discussed in detail under various ensuing
sections.
Cheaperor secondgrade oils are still used on
somemachinetools, particularly machineswhich
are rather old. Suchoils are satisfactory for "once
through" lubrication points such as oil cups, oil
holes, wick feed and similar oiling methodswhere
Courtesy oJ Alemit¢ Division, Stewart-Warner Corporation
Hgure2 -- Portion of a grease dispensingsystemon a Bullard vertical turret lathe.
[51]

6. LUBRICATION May, 1949
the oil makesa single pass through the bearing.
Evenwith older machines predominantly lubri-
cated byoil cups, however,it is often desirable to
use quality lubricants. Suchmachinesare usually
in a minority in any given shop and stocking of
twooils of the sameviscosity, onea high gradefor
reservoirs and the other a cheaper grade for oil
cups, proves moreexpensivein the long run.
Viscosity
Theimportanceof using the correct viscosity or
gradeof oil cannotbe overstressed in the lubrica-
tion of modernprecision machinetools. In older
machines, or in tools whichdo not produce work
to close tolerances, viscosity is less importantand
oils with a rather widerange of viscosities maybe
usedwithentire satisfaction.
Onclose fitting parts used so prevalently in
moderntools the viscosity should be kept within
the limits specified by the manufacturer.Obviously,
it shouldnot be so lowthat metal to metalcontact
might occur. Theuse of an oil having too high a
viscosity also has several disadvantages. Internal
friction developedin the oil can causeit to over-
heat, resulting in morerapid oil deterioration and
heating up of the metal parts surroundingthe oil.
Thelatter is particularly troublesomeon machines
workingto very close tolerances for the excessive
heat generated maybe sufficient to expand the
frame of the machine,or parts thereof to such an
extent that the cutting tools or workmustbe reset
periodically.
Courttsy o[ Th¢ Farral Corporation
Figure3 -- Centralizedoiling systemon a Mitts & Merrill No..S
Key Seater.
Courtesyof Man:elInc.
Figure 4 -- A four feed automaticlubricator usedto lubricate
the waysof this knife grinder manufacturedby SamuelC.
Rogers& Co.
SIMPLIFIED LUBRICATION PLAN
Simplification and economyare intimately re-
lated in so far as the lubrication of machinetools
is concerned.
Progressivemachinetool operators are constant-
ly endeavoringto reducethe total numberof lubri-
cants required for the proper lubrication of their
machines.This has beeninfluenced in recent years
by several factors, includingthe increasing cost of
maintenance, the necessity of reducing overhead
expensesand primarily, the availability of newer
types of lubricants whichare capableof function-
ing underwidevarieties of conditions.
Theprimarypurposeof this article is to present
a simplified lubrication plan for machinetools.
This plan takes into account all of the abovefac-
tors. Briefly, it presents a methodfor consolidating
the numberof lubricants used in a given produc-
tion shopto an absolute minimum.Specifically, the
products recommendedin this plan are shownin
TableI.
Thisconsolidatedor simplifiedlist of lubricants
for large production shops, was developed as a
result of a studyof all machinetool manufacturers’
lubricant recommendationsand extensive field ex-
perienceobtained with the types of products recom.
mended.This list will apply to the great majority
of machinetools in use today. (In a fewinstances,
however, specialty products maybe required.)
Evenall the products listed maynot be necessary
in a given production shop; for example, the use
of two greases, twohydraulic oils or several way
lubricants and spindle oils maybe unnecessary.
In order that the recommendations mademay
be understood moreclearly each is discussed in
detail in the followingsections.
[52]

7. LUBRICATION
~ ~ ~ oo oo ~ ~
Z Z
[~]

8. LUBRICATION May, 1949
Figure5 -- Schematicp/an of hydraulicandlubricating
Hydraulic Systems
Probably nowhereon a machinetool can trouble
occuras often as in the hydraulicsystemif accepted
maintenance procedures are not followed. These
include the use of the correct grade of oil with a
quality commensurateto demandsplaced on the
oil by the hydraulicsystem.
Manyfactors contribute to the need of special
care in selecting hydraulic oils. Conditionswhich
cause oils to oxidize present one of the foremost.
Theseconditions include operating temperatures
ranging up to 150° F. or even higher in a few
instances, severe agitation at each pass through
pumpsand valves, pressure, the presenceof metal-
lic catalysts and unfortunately in someinstances
various contaminants such as cutting oils. As a
result, inhibitors are nowincorporatedin hydraulic
oils to retard oxidation; their effectiveness being
phenomenal.Field experience has shownthat in-
tervals between drain periods maybe increased
manytimes over that obtainedwith straight mineral
oils, and moreimportant the possibility of gumor
sludge formation in the systemis almost entirely
eliminated.
Rust formation in hydraulic systemsis another
factor contributing to poor hydraulic systemper-
formance. Rust can be caused by condensation of
moisture in the reservoir, contamination such as
fromcoolants, or leaking water coolers. Fortunate-
ly, rust formationcan be preventedby the addition
of small amountsof inhibitors to the oil. These
Courtesy o] Norton Company
systemof a 6" Type CCylindrical GrindingMachine.
inhibitors "plate out" on metal surfaces, forming
a film whichis imperviousto the rusting action of
moistureand air.
A third factor is foaming,whichis troublesome
in somesystems. Hereagain, it is possible to so
treat or processthe oil that anyentrainedair in the
oil is quickly separated. Thepresence of air in
hydraulicoils can result in erratic motionof actu-
ated parts, cancausethe oil to oxidizemorerapidly
and if foamis formedin the reservoir the probable
overflowis unsightly and a safety hazard.
During the last several years the economyof
usinghigh quality inhibited type hydraulicoils has
been proven time and time again. Little wonder
they are used almost exclusively today in machine
tool hydraulicsystems.
Mentionhas previously beenmadethat viscosity
is an important consideration in the selection of
oils. Since pumpsare the most critical part of a
hydraulic systemin so far as lubrication is con-
cerned, pumpmanufacturers have madeextensive
tests to determinewhatviscosity oil performsbest
in systemscontaining their pumps.It is necessary
that the viscosity be sufficiently high to prevent
metal to metal contact and to give high volumetric
efficiencies, yet it must be low enoughto pump
easily so that pressure drop throughthe systemis
at a minimum.For these reasons pumpmanufac-
turers issue specifications indicating the correct
viscosity to be used under various operating con-
ditions.
[ 54]

9. LUBRICATION
Fortunately, practically all hydraulicpumpsused
on machinetools require the use of two grades or
viscosities of oil, one being 150and the other ap-
proximately 300secondsat 100° F. Say. Univ. For
this reason, two grades of hydraulic oil are shown
in Table I, but perhaps only one maybe necessary
in a given productionshop.
General Machine Lubricant
Relegated to history is the general use of oil
holes, oil cups or other manualmeansof applying
oil to modernproduction machinetools. In the
place of such devices centralized pressure, splash
or similar formsof lubrication are nowalmostuni-
versally accepted. Thegreat majorityof production
machinesbuilt todayare so lubricated that little or
no attention is required at time intervals ranging
from a minimumof once a shift to long periods of
time. Evenmachineslubricated once each shift are
for the most part equipped with so called "one
shot" systemswhereit is necessarymerelyto pull
out a knobto relubricate the machine.
Centralized systems range from "one shot" to
completelyautomatic systemsin whichit is merely
necessary to periodically replenish the reservoir
with oil. Applications of such systemsto machine
tools are shownin the illustrations accompanying
this article.
Eventhoughautomatic lubrication is a feature
of almost all production machines, remote spots
whichcannototherwise be lubricated economically,
mayrequire application of oil by sight feed oilers
or oil cu~s. These must not be overlooked when
relubricat~ng.
Just as the use of automaticlubricating systems
has becomeso commonduring the last few years,
so has the use of inhibited lubricating oils for
general machinelubrication. In fact someopera-
tors havefoundthat using inhibited hydraulic oils
for general machine lubrication has saved them
moneyin maintenance and downtime costs. One
reason is that rusting is a detrimental factor in
humidatmospheresand of course this can be over-
comeby the use of rust inhibited oils. Thepos-
sibility of gumor sludge formationas the result of
oil oxidation, and foaming caused by air being
beaten into the oil are other detrimental factors
whichcan be overcomeby using inhibited oils in-
stead of straight mineraloils.
Afourth type of additive currently cominginto
specialized usage imparts extreme pressure char-
acteristics. Oils containing suchadditives are now
Courtesyof TraborEngineeringCorporation
Figure6- Centralizedgreaselubricating systemon a turret lathe. Notepumpandreservoirlocatedin
lower right handcornerandmountedin a horizontalposition.
[55]

10. LUBRICATION May, 1949
Courtes7of Bijur Lubricating Corp.
Figure 7--Automatic oiling systemfor a thread generator
madeby The Fellows Gear Shaper Company.
Gears Other Than Those Lubricated by
the General Machine Lubricant
Somemachine tools are equipped with gears
which require a muchhigher viscosity product
than that used as a general machinelubricant.
Typical ex~mpIesare found on someback gears of
vertical or larger type horizontal turret lathes,
columnmechanisms’of milling machines, screw
mechanismson boring mills, etc. Such products
usually fall within the SAE-90or 140 viscosity
grade, and the specific viscosity andtype of prod-
uct required is normallyspecified by the machine
builder.
Gear lubricants in so far as type is concerned,
fall withintwoclassifications, straight mineraloil
and extremepressure lubricants. Straight mineral
oil type gear lubricants shouldbe well refined and
highly resistant to oxidation. In addition, they
should be so processed that they do not foamwhen
mixed with air, or emulsify whencontaminated
with water.
Withr.espect to extremepressuregear lubricants,
the lead soap base type has beenoutstanding. This
~PmeiS non-corrosiveto copperor steel, has a high
strength, is unaffectedby presenceof moisture
and does not thicken or oxidize appreciably in
service. Leadsoapbase extremepressure lubricants
specified by several manufacturerswhosetools con-
tain heavily loaded bearings. Typicaltypes of ma-
chine tools include somegrinders for crush dress-
ing, centerless thread grinders, and vertical turret
lathes.
Thegreat majority of machinetools require the
use of a general machinelubricant having a vis-
cosity of approximately 300 or 500 seconds Say.
Univ. at 100° F. However,certain tools, mayre-
quire an oil havinga viscosity of only 200seconds
at 100° F. In general the lowerthe viscosity, the
less will be the heat generatedby internal friction
in the oil. Lowviscosity oils are used wheredis-
tortion of machineparts, caused by oil heating,
must be minimized.
Basedon present indications there are certain
definite trends in general machinelubrication, i.e.
(1) the ever increasing use of automaticlubri-
cating systems
(2) general acceptance of machinelubricants
containing inhibitors to prevent oil oxida-
tion, rust and foaming
(3) an increase in the use of extremepressure
agents in oils for use on certain types of
machines
(4) a general lowering in the viscosity of the
oil used as machinestolerances are de-
creased.
Courtesy of The Farval Corporation
Figure 8 - A centralized oiling systemon a special horizontal
drumtype Barnesdrill.

11. LUBRICATION
are recommendedfor use on all types of gears,
including wormgears, for use on anti-friction
bearings containedin the gear case, on screws, and
similar applications. For these reasons, this type
is often used whereboth straight mineral and ex-
treme pressure gear lubricants are specified by
various manufacturersfor their tools in a specific
production shop in order to simplify the number
of products used.
Sulfur-chlorine, "mild"type extremepressure lu-
bricants canalso be used on gears but beforedoing
so it shouldbe ascertainedif they are corrosive, or
will stain steel or copper.
Gearlubricants are normallycontainedin reser-
voirs, the gears being lubricated by splash or by a
forced feed system. A few specialized machines
contain what are termedopen gears, that is, they
are not contained in an oil tight housing. In such
cases, it is necessary that an adhesive type gear
lubricant be applied directly to the gears. Such
products are madefrom heavyresidual stocks and
are su~cientlyadhesiveand cohesivethat they will
not throwoff.
Spindles
High speed spindles on grinders and similar
types of tools require extremecare in the selection
Courtesy ol Sundstrand Machine Tool Co.
Figure 10--Automatic lubrication for gear train and spindle
in a No. 33 Rigldmill. The oll pumpactuated by an eccentric
onthe lower shaft delivers oil to the headerfromwhichi~ is
delivered to individual bearingsby tubing as indicated. Note
the flow gagethroughwhichvlsual observationwill showthat
the distribution systemis functioningproperly.
Courtesyof Kearney& Trecker Corp.
Figure9 -- Illustrating howonemilling machineis lubricated
by force feed from three reservoirs. In eachcase the oil is
circulated to points of application by small pumps.
of the proper lubricant. Spindles maybe either
grease or oil lubricated dependinguponthe design.
Withrespect to oil lubricated spindles, speed
and load on the bearings are two primary con-
siderations in the selection of a proper lubricant.
Otherfactors, however,suchas the type of bearing
involved, possibility of contaminants (grinding
dust for example) entering the bearing housing
and methodof lubricant application also play an
importantpart in the choiceof a lubricant.
It is absolutely essential that there be no play
in spindles, therefore, clearances are held to a
minimum.Also, there has been a definite trend
toward higher spindle speeds. As clearances are
decreased and speeds increased, it is normally
necessary that the viscosity of the lubricant be
lowered. It is for this reason that somemanufac-
turers specify very lowviscosity oils for spindles.
Thereasons for using lowviscosity products on
modernhigh speedspindle bearings is simply that
if high viscosity products wereused, the bearings
might overheat and ultimately seize, the hot oil
wouldoxidize morerapidly and the hot metal sur-
roundingthe oil wouldexpand,thus affecting the
accuracyof the machine.
Spindle bearings range in design all the way
from sleeve type bearings to three part bearings
(half boxlocated at the bottomand to the rear of
[~]

12. LUBRICATION May, 1949
the spindle housing with two adjustable bearing
segmentson top), three or five pivoted shoe types
and, of course, anti-friction bearings.
Methodsof oil lubrication range from the use
of sight feed oil cups, spring-actuated wickoilers
and ring oilers to flood lubrication andmist appli-
cation.*
Oil lubricated spindles require products ranging
in viscosity from 40 to 300 seconds at 100° F.,
Say. Univ.dependinguponfactors discussed above.
Although general recommendationscan be made,
as indicated below,it is best to follow the manu-
facturers’ recommendationsas to the correct vis-
cosity of oil to use in a specific spindle. In general
sight feed oilers, wickoilers, and ring oilers are
to be found on comparativelylow speed spindles,
whereasflood and mist type lubrication are used
on higher speedbearings, with mist being used at
very high speeds. Therefore, based on methodof
oil application the following very broad recom-
mendations can be made:
GeneralViscosity
Rangeof Oil, Say.
Methodof Oil Univ.Secondsat
Application 100° F.
Sight feed oilers 100- 2OO
Spring-actuated wick feed 100- 200
Ring oiled 200 - 300
Floodor circulating 40- 300
Oil Mist 50- 150
In systemswherethe oil is circulated to the bear-
ings and backto a reservoir (ring oiled, splash,
flood or force feed) it is essential that the product
used be of goodquality. Theoil mustbe resistant
to oxidation, not emulsify with any water of con-
densation or contamination,and quickly free itself
of any entrained contaminants, such as grinding
dust. In both circulating systems and with mist
lubrication, whenapplied to anti-friction bearings,
it has been found that rust is sometimesa factor
which can cause serious bearing damage.In order
to overcomethis, rust inhibited oils have been
resorted to withcompletesuccess.
Sofar, this discussion has concernedoil lubri-
cated spindles only. However,where there is a
possibility of oil leakage,or underconditionswhere
dirt, dust and other contaminantscan get into the
bearing, greaseis often used. In such cases, a pre-
miumgrade anti-friction bearing grease of a No.2
NLGIconsistency, such as described in the section
to follow on "Greases", should be used.
Nodiscussion on spindle lubrication wouldbe
complete without a word on cleanliness. High
*Spindle design and methodsof oil application ha~,e been .dis-
cussed in more detail in two previous issues of MagaztneLubrica-
tion; July 1948--"Metals Grmding Machinery Lubrication", and
Septembe~ 1948--"High Speed Ball Bearing Lub~icafioa".
Courtesy of Cincinnati Milling and
Grinding Machines, Inc.
Figure 11 -- Lubricatinglines in the saddleof a No. 2 Cutter
andTool Grinder, with table removed.Oil is fed to the dis-
tributor in the center fromwhichit goesto various bearings.
speed spindle bearings can be ruined by small
particles of dirt. Forthis reason,air usedin mist
lubrication should be filtered to removeentrained
dirt and moisture. Everyeffort should be made,
also, to keepcontaminantsout of circulating oils
and if the oil does becomecontaminated,it should
be changedimmediately.
Ways
Nomatter howwell a machinetool is designed,
if the waysare not properly lubricated accurate
machiningcannot be accomplished. Off hand, one
wouldthink it simple to lubricate two flat or V
shaped surfaces uponwhicha carriage, turret or
workrest must ride. Quite to the contrary, how-
ever, this is one of the critical points in machine
tool lubrication and a great deal of research has
been conducted by both machinebuilders and oil
suppliers on this problem.As a result of someof
this work,new"special" waylubricants havebeen
developedrecently and are receiving ever increas-
ing acceptance.
One of the primary problems encountered on
manymachinewayswas chattering, which caused
irregularities in the workbeing done. Since chat-
tering normallyoccurs just after motionhas been
reversed, the most commontheory wasthat on the
forward motion oil was wiped off the way, then
as motionwasreversed the carriage had to traverse
a comparatively dry waybefore the oil supply
could be replenished. Another problem was that
if the carriage was stopped the lubricant had a
tendency to press out with the result that when
the carriage was again movedit occurred in a
"stick-slip" motion. Chattering predominates on
somemilling, shaping, grinding and similar type
machineswherethe carriage goes back and forth
[58]

13. LUBRICATION
at predeterminedcycles. "Stick-slip" motionis of
primaryconcernon such equipmentas lathes where
tools at timesare advancedinto the worka fraction
of an inch.
In addition to overcomingthe aboveproblems,
a waylubricant must have other properties. To
enumeratethe moredesirable qualities:
1. It shouldeliminatechatter.
2. It shouldnot press out uponstanding.
3. It should contain oiliness and extremepres-
sure agents to prevent metal to metal contact
betweenlocalized high spots.
4. Theoil film thickness built up shouldnot be
sufficiently thick to affect the accuracyof the
workbeing done.
5. It is essential that it be non-corrosiveto steel
or the copper found in the oil distribution
system.
6. It should not plug felt filters found in some
centralizedsystems.
7. It shouldnot washoff or be adverselyaffected
bycutting fluids, coolants or water.
Waylubricants having all the abovedesirable
qualities have been developed and placed on the
marketin the last several years. Wherechattering
or "stick-slip’" troubles havebeenencounteredwith
straight mineral oils, oils compoundedwith fatty
material or even lead soap base gear lubricants,
these troubles havebeen eliminated by the use of
"special" waylubricants.
A variety of type of lubricants maybe used on
ways, dependingboth on the load and methodof
lubrication. Whereloads do not exceed approxi-
mately 10 poundsper square inch, a straight min-
eral oil havinga viscosity of about300secondsat
100° F. Say. Univ.is used, unless the machineman-
ufacturer specifies a somewhatheavier grade.
Whenloads are above10 lbs. per sq. in. it is
usually necessary to use a high viscosity straight
mineraloil, or moreoften, a fortified mineraloil.
In the past compoundedoils, containing fatty ma-
terial whichincreases "oiliness", andvarious types
of extremepressure gear lubricants havebeenused,
with success rangingfrom goodto only fair. It is
confidently believed, however, that the machine
tool industry will standardizeon the use of special
waylubricants such as the type described at the
beginning of this section whensomething more
than a straight mineraloil is required.
Cross slide waysand comparatively short ways
maybe lubricated through oil cups, or by similar
metho.ds, but longer waysare almost universally
lubricated through "one shot" or other forms of
a centralized distribution system. Mostare auto-
matic so that on each stroke the waysreceive a
shotof oil.
Wayson somemachinesare lubricated from the
hydraulic systemor headstock. In such instances,
small diameter coppertubing conductsthe oil from
the hydraulic circuit or headstockto the ways.It
is necessarythat the lubricant serve the dual pur-
pose of hydraulic or headstockand waylubricating
oil. At the present time only somelight duty ma-
chines are designedin this mannerand the choice
of a suitable lubricant requires specialized atten-
tion. In a few instances waysare lubricated by
excess cutting fluid splashing on the ways.
Greases
Modernmachine tools are predominantly oil
lubricated, however, grease is used on electric
motors, coolant pumps,on somespindle bearings
and on miscellaneous applications such as toggle
mechanisms,sliding surfaces (other than ways)
and someinaccessible bearings.
WHEELHEAD WAYS
K----FLAT
’11
.I |....mm .. -- .m mJrm~
¯ TABLEt VEE"WAYS
[irl
t.FLAT
Courtesy ol Cincinnati Milling and Grinding Machines, Inc.
Figure 12 -- Diagramof lubrication systemon waysof a 4" Plain Hydraulic Grinder.
[59]

14. LUBRICATION May, 1949
Experiencehas shownit is generally desirable
to stock only onegrease for all greaseapplications
and in such instances, the type of grease used is
dictated by the requirements o~ high speed grease
lubricated spindles or electric motors. In these
applications a premiumgrade No. 2 NLGIgrease
containing a sodium-calcium mixedbase soap, a
mineral oil with a viscosity of 150to 400seconds
at 100° F. Say. Univ. and an inhibitor to retard
oxidation is used. Sucha product has provenen-
tirely satisfactory on highspeedanti-friction bear-
ings such as foundon spindles and electric motors
and at continuous operating temperatures up to
at~out 250° F. In a fewcases, onparticularly large
or heavyduty equipmenta sodiumsoap base grease
containinga highviscosity oil is required, for such
a product will withstand heavier loads than will
the type recommendedfor electric motors and
spindles.
Onmanyolder machines, plain bearings were
used extensively and for these an ordinary cup
grease wasused. Eventhough manyof these ma-
chines are still in operation, most operators now
use the type of grease required for anti-friction
bearings (described above)for such points. It
often found moreeconomical to carry only one
grease for all grease lubricated points rather than
two greases, one for anti-friction bearings and a
cup grease for plain bearings. Someoperators have
goneso far as to say that the merepossibility of
exchangingthese twotypes, resulting in the almost
certain failure of high speedanti-friction bearings
is sufficient reason to preclude the stocking of a
cup type greasefor plain bearings.
The application of grease on modernmachine
tools has beengreatly simplified. In the past it was
necessaryto completelycircle the machineto reach
all points. Themoderntrend is definitely toward
the use of a centralized distribution system(see
accompanyingillustrations) or, at least to supply
a centralized panel ecjuippedwith pressure grease
fittings and connectedto various bearingsby suit-
able tubing, thus makingit almost impossible to
missan isolated bearing.
Dual or Tri-Purpose Oils
Nosimplified lubrication plan for machinetools
would be complete without consideration of a
special problemwhich arose in the case of some
multiple spindle bar and chuck type automatic
screw machines.This problemrelated to the main-
tenanceof the correct cutting oil in these machines
for it wasfound in someinstances the machine’s
lubricant, and sometimesthe hydraulic oil, were
diluting the cutting oil in sufficient volumeto re-
ducethe active ingredients in the cutting oil. In a
few instances, the direction of the dilution was
reversed; in these cases, the cutting oil being the
offender by contaminating the lubricating and/or
hydraulic oil, thus resulting in sludge formation,
corrosion and ultimately ruined machineparts.
Toovercomethis situation "DualPurposeOils"
were developed which could be used as a general
machinelubricant as well as the cutting fluid on
bar type automatics. Subsequently, their use was
extended to the hydraulic system on chuck type
automatics,resulting in their accepteddassification
as "Tri-PurposeOils".
Dual or Tri-Purpose Oils are non-corrosive to
steel or copper. Years of experience has shown
themto function efficiently as a machinelubricant
anda hydraulicfluid in these systems.In addition,
they give excellent tool performanceon all ma-
chining operations which are considered mild or
slightly on the tough side. Evenon "tough" jobs
the effect of dilution fromthat portion usedin the
lubricating systemwill be far less than if straight
mineraloil had beenused in the latter.
Warning:-It is absolutely essential that only
fresh clean oil be addedon the lubricating side of
the machine.Oil fromthe cutting oil sumpshould
never be addedto the lubricating oil reservoir for
if it is, the chips in the latter wouldsooncause
serious damageto the bearings.
CONCLUSION
Machinetool manufacturers are to be compli-
mented on the ever increasing attention being
given to lubrication. Manymanufacturershave de-
voted a great deal of time and effort in order to
determine the most satisfactory grades of lubri-
cants to be used; they are very consciousof their
responsibility to their customersin passing this
information on to them.
Machinetool manufacturers also are designing
moderntools so that a minimumof attention can
be given re-lubrication. Methodsused include the
almost universal acceptance of centralized lubri-
cating systemwith their manyadvantagesof posi-
tive lubrication and savings in labor and mainte-
nancecosts.
ThePetroleum Industry, too, is proud of the
lubricants developed in recent years which make
it possible to use a single product over an ever
broadeningrange of conditions. Modernlubricants
also function over muchlonger periods of time.
Suchlubricants permit the developmentof a sim-
plified lubrication planas describedin this article.
Printed in U. $. A. by
Salle~_&Collins, Inc.
30.~ East 45th Street
N~w York 17. N. Y.

15. TEXACO LUBRICANTS
FOR MACHINE TOOLS
Parts to be Lubricated
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
Low Viscosity ................................................
MediumViscosity .............................................
GENERAL MACHINE LUBRICANT
Low Viscosity ................................................
MediumViscosity .............................................
High Viscosity ................................................
GEARS(Not lubricated by general machine oil)
Lightly Loaded- Other Than Worm............................
Heavily Loaded- Other Than Worm...........................
All WormGears ..............................................
SPINDLES
Oil Lubricated
By Oilers and Wick Feed ...................................
By Ring Oiler ....................... ~ ......................
By Circulating or Flood System ............................
By Oil Mist ................................................
Grease Lubricated ............................................
WAYS
Lightly Loaded
MediumViscosity ..........................................
High Viscosity .............................................
Heavily Loaded or Where Chattering Occurs
MediumViscosity ..........................................
High Viscosity ............................................
GENERAL GREASE LUBRICATION
Normal Operation ............................................
TexacoRecommendations
Texaco Regal Oil A (R&O)
Texaco Regal Oil PC (R&O)
Texaco Regal Oil B (R&O)
Texaco Regal Oil PC (R&O)
Texaco Regal Oil PE (R&O)
Texaco Thuban 90 or 140
Texaco MeropaLubricants--3 or 6
Texaco MeropaLubricants--3 or 6
Texaco Regal Oils (R&O)
Texaco Regal Oils (R&O)
Texaco Spindura or Regal Oils (R&O)
Texaco Spindura or Regal Oils (R&O)
Texaco Regal Starfak No. 2
Texaco Regal Oil PC (R&O)or PE (R&O)
Texaco Ursa Oil
Texaco WayLubricant
Texaco WayLubricant
Texaco Regal Starfak No. 2
Heavy Duty Operation ........................................ t Texaco Marfak No. 1, or Marfak
No. 2 Heavy Duty
DUALANDTRI PURPOSE OILS FOR MULTIPLE
SPINDLE AUTOMATICSCREW MACHINES
Dual Purpose -- Machine Lubricant and Cutting Fluid ............. Texaco Cleartex Cutting Oil B
Tri Purpose -- Hydraulic Fluid, MachineLubricant and Cutting Fluid Texaco Cleartex Cutting Oil DD
The foregoing products are of highest quality and are recommendedfor use where automatic or circulating
system primarily prevail, as they do on most modern machines.
Texaco Lubrication Engineers are thoroughly familiar with the Simplified Lubrication Plan for Machine
Tools. Let them help you simplify the numberof lubricants used in your production shops.

16. Cut
You
metal curtUse TexacoCutting Coolants For Faster
Machining, Finer Finish, FewerRejects
Drilling, grinding, milling, turning --
whatever the metal or machining method
-- there is a top-quality TexacoCutting,
Gri~dbtg or Soluble Oil to help you do
every metal cutting job in your plant faster,
better, and at minimumcost.
Texaco Cutting, Grinding attd Soluble
Oils lubricate effectively. Theykeep tool
and workcool -- prevent chip welding or
wheel loading. They prolong tool life,
assure cleaner cuts and smootherfinish, in-
crease production and lower costs wherever
they are used.
A Texaco Lubrication Engineer whospe-
cializes in cutting coolants will gladly help
you select-and use effectively--the Texaco
cutting coolants you need for best results.
Just call the nearest of the more than
2300Texaco Wholesale Distributing Plants
in the 48 States, or write TheTexas Com-
pany, 135 East 42nd Street, NewYork17,
New York.
THE TEXAS COMPANY
ATLANTA,GA... 864 W. Peachtree Street
BOSTON17, MASS..20 ’Providence Street
BUFFALO3, N.Y. . 14Lafayette Square
BUTTE, MONT.. 2"20North’ AlaskaStreet
CHICAGO4, ILL.. 332 So. Michigan Avenue
DALLASI, TEX. . . 311 South Akard Street
DENVER1, COLO.... ~ ~ ~ 910 !6th Street
sr~rrLe,1 t, wA.sx.
¯ TEXACOPRODUCTS * DIVISION OFFICES
HOUSTON1, TEX... 7’20 SanJacinto Street
INDIANAPOLIS1, IND., 3521E. MichiganStreet
LOSANGELES15, CAL. . 929 South Broadway
MINNEAPOLIS2, MINN. . 300 Baker Bldg.
NEWORLEANS6, LA., 919 St. Charles Street
NEWYORK17," N.Y.. 205 East 42nd Street
NORFOLK1, VA. . Olney Rd. & Oranby St.
::,.. 1~!1 Third Avenue
TexacoProducl~ dbldlmted throug ,kaut.Canadaby M~oll-Front~nacOil Company,Umlted, MONTREAL,CANADA