Lubricating The Bronze Bearing Before Use - Record Power CL3-CAM Original Instruction Manual

7. Lubricating the Bronze Bearing Before Use

The unique Tapered Bronze Bearing System, incorporated in these lathes,
is a long established and proven design. Recognised by professional wood
turners throughout the world for its qualities of smooth running, optimum
accuracy, high load bearing capacity, long life and precision adjustment. It
is used by thousands of wood turners and this unique bearing should work
tirelessly for many years provided that it is used and maintained properly.
Oiling The Bearing
1. Before first use, and before the lathe is used on all subsequent occasions
a tiny amount (5-6 drops) of oil should be added to the bearing Fig 7.1.
This procedure should also be carried out every two hours during prolonged
i
use. It is recommended to use Record Power RPSO-100 which is designed
specifically for use with the Record Power bronze bearing system. If this is
not available, automotive grade 30W oil can be substituted.
IMPORTANT: The bearing does not need a lot of oil but must not
be allowed to dry out.
Running The Lathe In
2. To assure longer bearing life, before first use the lathe must be "Run-
In" for three hours on the middle step of the pulley (CL3-CAM) and speed
setting 4 on the CL4-CAM.
WARNING: Unattended machines can be dangerous. Be sure people and
pets will not be exposed to the running lathe during this period.
3. After "Running-In", only small amounts of oil should be added.
4. During normal running conditions there should be a thin film of oil
visible on the end of the tapered part of the spindle which is evidence of
correct distribution of the oil in the bearing. The best way to check this is
to view the bearing 'square on' Fig 7.2 on a correctly lubricated bearing a
thin black line should be visible in between the bearing and the spindle.
5. If the amount of oil seeping out on to the front of the spindle is
excessive, centrifugal force may throw the oil outwards. In order to rectify
this, further "Running-In" may be required or simply applying less oil less
frequently. If the correct amount of oil is being added and oil is still seeping
out, the bearing may be too loose, see section 10 for bronze bearing
adjustment procedure. If a thin line around the bearing is not visible and
the correct amount of oil is being added, the bearing may be too tight,
please see section 10 for details on how to adjust the bearing.
6. It is also normal for a certain amount of heat to be generated in the
vicinity of the bearing, especially on high speeds. This is not detrimental,
but extremely hot conditions should be investigated (lack of oil or bearing
adjustment).
7. Once the pattern of bearing adjustment and lubrication is established
for your particular needs, you will find the bearing is one of the smoothest
running available - the prime requirement for good woodturning.
Fig.7.1
Add oil here
Fig.7.2
Bearing
Spindle
21