Thread: Stain on ways

It is not worth worrying about..

Are you using soluble oil coolant?

Gavin,

The answer is no, I haven't used any coolant at all.

It is just a stubborn stain at the moment, but I am concerned it may lead to something else.

KenM

Not saying that this is the problem but you may find that after useing the turps on it,if there is any type of porosity in your ways the turps may have drawn it out and this could be your staining.

As has allready been stated wouldnt worry about it.

I can see the ways eroding through a bit of turps.

different story if you are concerned with keeping it looking pretty,but then again if that was the case you wouldnt use it.

I read once that what is often taken to be rust staining is in fact biological action. Reportedly, bugs that like to live in oil can cause it. Sounds unlikely?

Jordan

Jordan

That's why i asked about the soluble oil coolant which does give rise to this rust-like staining, but the OP says that he's never used suds coolant so that's not the cause in this case.

Rgds - Gavin

Thanks for that info guys.

I also read in this forum that it is a good idea to polish the ways with a good quality wax regularly.

The instructions for cleaning off the packing grease on the new mill state to use "parafin" from memory this is now called "kero" is that correcr? Not too keen to use the mineral turps again.

Thanks

KenM

Never heard of waxing the ways, I just keep them lightly oiled with ways oil between uses, I use Vactra#2 on my 12" swing lathe, smaller lathes will need a lighter oil.

Yes, Paraffin refers to kerosene.

cheers

Kevin

Originally Posted by xr6t

When I received my new lathe I cleaned it with mineral turps.
I have since noticed a stain appearing on the ways and carriage, it looks like rust? Tried removing it with 000 grade steel wool and Brasso, no joy. Any suggestions.
Thanks.
KenM

dont use steel wool for a start. If you do need something abrasive, use a scotch brite pad. Steel wool leaves fine metal dust which rusts.

Martrix, thanks for that, should have figured that one out myself, being a yacht owner an all.

My wife probably likes Pipeclays answer best, if I don't use it the garage might just stay neat and tidy, the bench not cluttered up and the lathe looking good. Not much hope of any of that, the new mill arrived today.