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Maintaining the ability to produce high quality parts |
Machine tool maintenance is the process of maintaining the ability to produce high quality parts and it is an ongoing activity that combines periodic machine adjustments and inspections but also the good work habits on a daily basis. Operate the machine in a safe and responsible manner to prevent accidental damage to the machine components. Keep your working environment clean.
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Clean away metal chips as your work progresses or use cover to prevent small chips from scoring the surface of the ways.
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The ways are not a shelf for your tools , keep your tools off the lathe .
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To prevent accidental damage use a lath board or a piece of wood whenever you’re changing chucks or mounting heavy work pieces.
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Special precautions should be taken for materials like cast iron or wood because the dust will claim to all the machines lubrication.
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Use cover or clean the ways often. After you finished clean the machine and the way wipes.
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Use a vacuum cleaner , don’t blowing the chips away with a compressed air hose. It’s dangerous and it just forces the chips deeper into the machines components.
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Remove chips from the chuck to prevent damage. Remove the jaws and clean the chuck frequently.
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The spindle tapers should be inspected and cleaned every time you change tools.
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Lubricating the bearings the ways and the feed screws should become a routine as turning the motor on and off. It should be the first thing you do when begin a days work and the last think you do when you cleaned up at the and of the day. Go through the same procedure you used when you set up your machine for the first time.
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Inspect and adjust all gibs frequently. Slideways should not be too tight , should be free to move but without the slightest amount of play.
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Check and adjust the belt tension. Clean belts and pulleys if needed.
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The biggest enemy of any machine tool is rust , especially if you live in a very humid climate. The best protection from rust is to keep the machine clean and coated with oil that is specially formulated to inhibit corrosion.
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Stick with your routine and maintain the ability of your machine to produce a high quality parts.
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