The Offcial Machinist Thread: Revised 01/04/2014

[wyz2285]

People told me, f possible, always have the lathe and mill separated. That's why I didn't go for a combo, far more space for milling and more comfortable for lathe working.

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

A combo is always a compromise. It might work for you, personally though I would go for separate machines.

[wyz2285]

Finally I got the boxes open
40kg each, still haven't figured out how to move them into my work shop.
BTW it came with more accessories than I thought

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

PUI btw lol

[wyz2285]

The instruction book is very helpful, has almost anything for a beginner.
Would I be in trouble if I don't secure it on a bench with screws? I don't want to drill on my table and it's dead heavy so I think it's fine...

[Blitz]

I wouldn't think that's something to worry about - but I'd at least clamp it for the sake of vibration affecting precision.

[Zeus]

A few solid clamps will do the trick.

Now, regarding moving them, when I bought the C2 (which tips the scales at 50kg), I got it inside while having a raging flu, and I'm not strong among my mates. I strongly suggest visiting a gym, and gaining some gains, it'll make life so much easier.

[wyz2285]

Well it's kind late to go to the gym now
The grease just doesn't come out! The instruction manual says to use some solvent but I'm afraid of corrosion?

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

Just start using it, the grease will fly off

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/edu23.htm

[jrrdw]

The grease just doesn't come out!

Windex + a few shop rags = clean machine. Then oil polished surfaces with a light oil, I my self use 30 weight motor oil...

[wyz2285]

I'm gonna try all the kitchen cleaning stuff first, if it worked I've some fine mineral oil, I think it's kind the same as light motor oil, I bought it from the same section in the store as the car stuff.

[Technician1002]

Personally I would avoid using water based soap items. I found that regular lamp oil for kerosene lamps works well by diluting the thick grease and makes it easy to wipe off. This leaves the surface protected. Repeat the process twice to remove the thick grease and wipe dry. Kerosene will slowly evaporate. Add a thin layer of the recommended lubricant.

For a more aggressive solvent, visit the paint store and use mineral spirits, the same stuff used to thin oil based paint. Use gloves and plenty of ventilation if you use a VOC (Volatile Organic Compound). Use it sparingly as the EPA is trying to limit this greenhouse gas.

Again, I do not recommend using water based cleaners especially in places it can not be wiped off immediately. The soap breaks down the oils to an acid and in the presence of the moisture causes corrosion.

[wyz2285]

Really? Thanks tech.
Looks like a visit to the store is inevitable now, just hope my wallet holds

[wyz2285]

Sorry for double post.
Went to the store, didn't find the product you guys suggested(remember things are in Portuguese here so the name is different or simply aren't sold)
Found a lot of lubricants through and some cleaning stuff for cars, one in particular I think may work for cleaning the grease, it's a spray for removing oil, fat and dirt out off car engines. Also found cleaning spray for car breaks.
As for the lubricants, mostly are "general propose", a couple specific ones for mechanical parts, breaks, etc
So, what should I do?