I know a lot of you use automotive oils for your lathes, but unless you use
a pressure feed and an oil filter you should not, because automotive oils
use additives that cause foreign particulate to remain in suspension, which
is potentially harmful. Industrial machine oil is readily available in 20
liter containers in Saybolt viscosities from 100 to 500 (SAE 10W to SAE 40W)
These oils have other additives that allow the particulate to settle at the
bottom of the sump. The cost is often less than automotive oil as well.
Please take note that the precision taper roller headstock bearings require
a light weght oil, I use 100-150 Saybolt. Your gearboxes require 250-350
Saybolt.
Steve

wrote in message
m...
My new Lathe calls out for a "high grade SAE 30 machine oil" it also says
it should have corrosion inhibiators. What are you guys using in your
Headstocks and whats it cost for 5 gal. pail.
Al Kimmel