Hi,

I've just purchased a Premo Mk3 lathe (with the boxy looking headstock - also sold as a "Veem" lathe). I'm hoping to find out some information about how to lubricate the headstock internals properly.

Inside the headstock is the main spindle which is belt driven from an input shaft, and there's a sliding-dog type arrangement to bring a back gear shaft in and out of gear. The main spindle runs on large tapered roller bearings, one at each end, according to the patent document. The info given at lathes.co.uk agrees with that. I can see no oiler ports, zirk fittings, or holes near those main bearings, which means they're probably greased and can't be oiled. Am I right in thinking that?

Between the main spindle and the input shaft (which lies at the lower rear of the headstock), is a 225L100 timing belt for power transmission. This - to me - means the headstock should not be oil-filled - since oil degrades rubber. So I assume the spur gears in the headstock get oiled manually with each use.

(I can grab a picture of inside the headstock if that's helpful)

Two facts are confusing me though - I noticed two large gaskets that lie between the lathe bed and cabinet. When these were separated, to move the lathe, a cup or two of thick sticky gear oil came out at the headstock end. I also later noticed what could be a drain plug, just above this gasket joint, again on the headstock end. Is this gasket and drain plug just to drain out any excess oil from the manual oiling, or should there be an oil bath in the headstock?

I don't mind at all what the lubrication method is, I just want to be able to look after it properly. I've been waiting on replies for a few days from both Veem in Australia and Tony at lathes.co.uk - if I find anything out, of course I'll post back here for other people's future reference.

If any other owners or previous owners have any info, or especially any documentation, that would be really helpful.

Thanks,
Craig
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