Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Lubricator?

washcomp wrote:

>Do I need a lubricator on a CNC Bridgeport? If so, what am I
>lubicating? What is the difference between one-shot and pump driven
>automatic?
>
>

Well, the factory-built machines generally have a motor-driven pump. I have
a manual pump on my CNC retrofit. As long as you remember to pump it every
time you start up the machine, and once in a while when it is running,
that should
be fine. The automatic one could die on you and you might not know it until
damage was done.

What you are lubricating is the sliding ways, which are iron on iron or
iron on
steel, depending on machine vintage. Some machines also lube the ballscrews
with way lube. That may be fine for Acme screws, but I'm not sure it is
ideal for
ballscrews.

>How about coolant pump? Mist or Flood? Can anyone tell me the
>difference in application?
>
>

I use flood coolant, because I prefer to use the air compressor as
little as possible.
Also, when hogging out big chunks of metal, mist just can't carry the
heat away
well enough. A few gallons per hour of water carries a LOT of heat easily.
Flood IS messier, however.

So, it depends on the application, expected materials, etc. as to which
would be
best.

Jon