How To Replace Headstock Oil for CNC Lathe

MAXNOVO MACHINE Tips: It is necessary to replace the machine oil for a new CNC Lathe after one month of operation. After the first time to replacement, it is recommended to replace the machine oil every 1300 operation hours. 

While replacing the machine oil, you must remember to clean the oil tank completely.  If you just adding new oil but don't replace the old oil, it is waste time and waste money, because the new oil will not refresh the old oil but deteriorating it. The metallic particle and dust in the old oil will form a layer on the surface which will accelerate the oxidization of oil.

For replacing the lubricant oil,  the specific operation must be carried out in strict accordance with the CNC Machines manufacturer’s maintenance manual . You please refer to bellowing photo and follow the steps as below.  

(1). According to our machinery experts' experience, the recommended lubricant oil is Shell Telus 32 or Mobil DTE#24.

Moreover, according to the requirements for world famous CNC lathe manufacturers' (such as the DMG MORI, Haas, Mazak) uniformly specify ISO VG 32 or 46 anti-wear hydraulic oils, classified as ISO-L-HM per ISO 6743-4:2015 (Lubricants, industrial oils and related products (class L). These fluids must meet the cleanliness and anti-foaming requirements of DIN 51524-2, and a cleanliness level of at least –/19/16 per ISO 4406:2021 is typically recommended.

(2). Prepare a large container (or big tank) at the front side of this CNC Lathe's Headstock.

(3). Turn off this CNC Lathe Machine and the spindle. Disconnect the exhaust pipe from the lubricant tank, and then connect it to the container.

(4). Turn on this CNC lathe and the spindle. The old lubricant oil will flow into the container instead.

(5). Watch out the lubricant level of the lubricant tank carefully. Turn off the lathe and the spindle. When the lubricant tank is almost empty.

(6). Remove the plug of drain hole of the lubricant tank. Drain out all the old lubricant and clean the lubricant tank thoroughly. Then put the plug back.

(7). Fill the lubricant tank with these new lubricant oil.

Using a clean, dedicated oil-transfer pump or funnel, add new oil until the sight glass reaches its centerline. Note: Cold, the oil level should be at the upper 1/3 of the sight glass; it will settle back to the centerline once warm due to thermal expansion.

(8). Turn on this lathe machine and the spindle. The headstock will be flushed by new lubricant oil, and the dirty lubricant oil will flow into the container through the exhaust pipe.

Jog the spindle (JOG mode) momentarily to confirm the absence of abnormal noise. Then run continuously at medium speed for 10 minutes. Observe the pressure gauge (if fitted) for stable readings and inspect drain plug, filter housing, and pipe fittings for any leakage. 

(9). Keep adding new lubricant into the lubricant tank to sustain the lubricant level.

(10). After a while, turn off the lathe and the spindle.

Disconnect the exhaust pipe from the container, and then connect it to the lubricant tank. 

(11). Check all fittings after 500 hours of operation especially their tightness between tubes.  After that, do the regular check every 200 hours.

MAXNOVO MACHINE - High Precision CNC Lathe for Demanding Users.