Full Version: Silicones for lead screws?
From: John (JOHN-BEVINS) [#1]
20 Sep 2006
To: ALL
Greetings Everyone,
I have a Vision Engraving Systems engraver and they recommend only using a silicone lubricant to lubricate the lead screws. Has anyone found one brand of spray on silicone better than the other? What brand of silicone lubricant do you guys use on your lead screws? The engraving machine was a big investment and I want to use the best silicone possible.
Thank you for your help
John Bevins
Fresno Engraving
From: PenTrophy (PENINSULATROPHY) [#2]
20 Sep 2006
To: John (JOHN-BEVINS) [#1] 20 Sep 2006
Red X Lubricant
http://www.newing-hall.com/misc.html# bottom of page.
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#3]
20 Sep 2006
To: John (JOHN-BEVINS) [#1] 20 Sep 2006
I have found silicon sprays to be too light weight for lead screws.
I use Super Lube grease. It is a silicon grease with Teflon particles in it. It is a super lube. In all my years of engraving I have never needed a replacement leadscrew, half nut, or rail. I retired my Dahlgren Wizard XL after over 12 years of hard use, and about 20 brush replacements, and 6 motors. The system is as tight as it was new.
I swear by Super Lube.
I have no connection to the manufacturers or distributers of this product. (I think you can find it in an Internet search. Get the small tube about 3oz, it will last a lifetime.)
EDITED: 20 Sep 2006 by HARVEY-ONLY
From: John (JOHN-BEVINS) [#4]
20 Sep 2006
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#3] 21 Sep 2006
Thank you,
John Bevins
Fresno Engraving
From: Mick [#5]
20 Sep 2006
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#3] 21 Sep 2006
Harvey
That is the same lube we stock and sell for lubricating our "Cactus Wraps". It works great at the 400-425 degrees we subject it to.
Mick Eminger
Cactus Equipment & Supplies
800-440-6847
EDITED: 20 Sep 2006 by MICK
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#6]
21 Sep 2006
To: John (JOHN-BEVINS) [#4] 21 Sep 2006
From: John (JOHN-BEVINS) [#7]
21 Sep 2006
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#6] 21 Sep 2006
Hi Harvey,
No, Mick did not answer the question. I was looking for the name of the company that makes the Super Lube.
Thank you,
John Bevins
Fresno Engraving
From: varn (VARNCO) [#8]
21 Sep 2006
To: John (JOHN-BEVINS) [#7] 21 Sep 2006
I think this is it...
Went from cactus web site to his east coast distributor, and found this
From: varn (VARNCO) [#9]
21 Sep 2006
To: John (JOHN-BEVINS) [#1] 21 Sep 2006
I'd like to join this discussion as well, as I have a Vision Engraver.
My old engraver (Roland PNC) manual pretty much indicated that nothing had to be lubricated, just had to change out brushes in motor when they were worn.
But, the vision indicates weekly this, monthly that, etc. And it also warns against using certain lubricants that will "attract" particles.
So, lubricating a machine weekly is new to me.
Do the two lubricants recommended here not attract particles that will then get stuck in the threads or rails?
Thanks!
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#10]
21 Sep 2006
To: John (JOHN-BEVINS) [#7] 21 Sep 2006
This is the manufacturer. In small quantities Mick is probably cheaper.
http://www.super-lube.com/product_description.htm
From: varn (VARNCO) [#11]
24 Dec 2006
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#3] 24 Dec 2006
Havey,
Do you use the Grease only (super lube) or do you also use the spray?
I'm lubing up a phoenix 1212... and it indicates use silicone oil, not grease, and then they offer a "dry spray"
Does it really matter?
Thanks.
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#12]
24 Dec 2006
To: varn (VARNCO) [#11] 24 Dec 2006
If the dry spray is cryogenicly processed Teflon, it too can't be beat. I had an application where even light camera oil made a pulley not fit on a shaft. The dry Teflon worked without changing the dimensions.
I am sure there is a very good silicon oil out there, I just do not know its name. Ask them which one they recommend.
When a grease is recommended Super Lube would be my choice.
EDITED: 24 Dec 2006 by HARVEY-ONLY
From: John (JOHN-BEVINS) [#13]
26 Dec 2006
To: varn (VARNCO) [#9] 26 Dec 2006
Hi Varnco,
This is in reply to your Sept 22 message. Sorry I have not replied until now.
I went looking for silicon sprays and there are a number of them out there and they were not all the same. I paid a good amount of money for this machine and I want to use the best.
I called Vision regarding what I should use. They use a silicon spray made by 3M. You will have to call them to get the exact part number. Don't let them tell you that you can use just any silicon. Tell them you would like the part number off the can that they use.
I called 3M to get some and they would not sell it to me, that product is not allowed in California. Real bummber.
I hope this helps you,
John Bevins
EDITED: 26 Dec 2006 by JOHN-BEVINS
From: varn (VARNCO) [#14]
26 Dec 2006
To: John (JOHN-BEVINS) [#13] 26 Dec 2006
Thanks for the info.
I just bought super lube... grease, gel, spray, and oil.
Harvey swears by it, and looking at some specs on it and reviews people swear by it.