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PM 25MV v9 2021-12 Copyright © 2021 Quality Machine Tools, LLC
Section 4 MAINTENANCE
Unplug the 120V power cord before
any maintenance operation!
RECOMMENDED LUBRICANTS
Ball oilers (X and Y leadscrews): Way Oil, such as
Precision Matthews Premium Way Oil
X, Y and Z axis ways: Way Oil, such as Precision Mat-
thews Premium Way Oil
Visible gears such as quill rack and pinion, Z-axis
bevel gears: light general purpose grease, NLGI No. 2,
or equivalent
X Y, and Z leadscrews: Way Oil, such as Precision
Matthews Premium Way Oil
Quill Outer Sliding Surface: Way Oil, such as Preci-
sion Matthews Premium Way Oil
Spindle Bearings: High Speed Spindle Bearing
Grease, such as Kluber Isoex NBU 15
GENERAL OILING
Assuming a clean environment – no abrasive particles
or machining debris – lack of proper lubrication is the
main cause of premature wear. Rotating parts are easy
to lubricate, sliding parts are not. Gibs are tightened for
Remove all machining debris and foreign
objects before lubricating ANYTHING! If need
be, any oil is better than no oil – but use the
recommended lubricants when you can.
Ball oilers
Use a pump-type oil can with tip large enough to more
than span the oiler’s spring-loaded steel ball. Oil pres-
sure will displace the ball, allowing oil to ow, provided
the oil can tip is rmly pressed onto the brass seating.
Before oiling check that the ball is not stuck – press it
lightly with a probe.
the best compromise between rigidity and slideability,
which means practically zero gap between the ways.
Take time to understand exactly which are the bearing
surfaces on the various dovetail surfaces; this is not ob-
vious – some of the interfaces look like bearing surfac-
es, but are simply narrow gaps.
Every few hours of operation: 1. Apply the recommend-
ed way-oil with a dedicated short-bristle brush such as
the type used for applying ux; 2. Use a similar brush to
apply oil or grease to the leadscrews; 3. Apply oil to the
ball oilers, see below.
Quill rack and pinion
Lower and lock the quill. Using a sti ux brush, clean
the visible portions of the rack and pinion. Raise and
lower the quill to expose the remainder of the working
surfaces, locking and cleaning at each setting.
Sindle bearings
See Servicing Quill and Spindle, two pages on.
GIB ADJUSTMENT
Gibs on the X, Y and Z axes control the t of the mating
dovetailed surfaces. They are gently-tapered lengths of
ground cast iron located by opposing screws at each
end. Adjusting them is a trial and error process that
takes time and patience. Aim for the best compromise
of rigidity and reasonably free table movement. Too tight
means accelerated wear on the ways and leadscrews.
Too free means workpiece instability, inaccuracies and
chatter.
Both screw heads must be tight against the gib ends.
If you loosen one, tighten the other. Remove the way
covers for access to the back of the Y gib and bottom of
the Z gib.
Figure 4-1 Gib adjustment, X and Y axes
The back adjustment screw for the Y axis gib is under the solid rubber
way cover behind the table. The left adjustment screw for the X axis is
in a similar location on the left side of the saddle casting.
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