TheCollective
Plastic
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2014
- Location
- Ottawa, ON
Hi everyone,
I could use some advice about the replacement of the lube system on my new-to-me surface grinder. I had originally wanted to get this up and running ASAP, but realized that the gibs were out of adjustment and subsequently that the lubrication system was pretty damaged (broken lines and metering valves don’t work).
The issue that I’m having is that they used soft aluminum pipes with brass bushings. I haven’t been able to find anything to repair or replace it exactly. My though was to move to 4 mm OD nylon tubing with brass compression fittings from McMaster Carr. I figure that the old oil ports are about the tapping size for M5, so I can cobble together a half metric/half imperial system. The issue is that the fittings are slightly too large to fit on/at some of the oil ports, given that they never had fittings there to begin with.
The only other option I have found are push-in fittings for air, which are cheaper and smaller, eliminating the clearance issues. The spec sheets specifically state not to use with oil, but I can’t see why when I look at the part breakdown. Every material there should be able to handle low pressure oil (20 PSI?).
Really at this point I just want this machine back online. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I could use some advice about the replacement of the lube system on my new-to-me surface grinder. I had originally wanted to get this up and running ASAP, but realized that the gibs were out of adjustment and subsequently that the lubrication system was pretty damaged (broken lines and metering valves don’t work).
The issue that I’m having is that they used soft aluminum pipes with brass bushings. I haven’t been able to find anything to repair or replace it exactly. My though was to move to 4 mm OD nylon tubing with brass compression fittings from McMaster Carr. I figure that the old oil ports are about the tapping size for M5, so I can cobble together a half metric/half imperial system. The issue is that the fittings are slightly too large to fit on/at some of the oil ports, given that they never had fittings there to begin with.
The only other option I have found are push-in fittings for air, which are cheaper and smaller, eliminating the clearance issues. The spec sheets specifically state not to use with oil, but I can’t see why when I look at the part breakdown. Every material there should be able to handle low pressure oil (20 PSI?).
Really at this point I just want this machine back online. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.