How to Maintain a CNC Lathe
- 1). Clean the outside of the machine off to prevent any corrosion or rust buildup. Wipe down the machine after every use to prevent rust from building up on the panels that protect the motor and other mechanisms that are important to the smooth operation of the machine. Use a clean cloth and remove any coolant that has splashed onto the machine as that is a caustic liquid that can damage parts.
- 2). Remove chip build-up from the chip tray to allow the coolant to drop into the reservoir. Chips can prevent that coolant from entering the reservoir to be pumped back onto the part. Both small and large chips must be removed to prevent this issue from reoccurring.
- 3). Oil the lathe regularly and check the oil reservoirs daily to provide ample oil for the moving parts. Check all of the reservoirs on the machine as there are usually than one.
- 4). Clean the inside surfaces of the CNC lathe to prevent any paint from peeling. When coolant is left on the surfaces inside of a lathe, the paint can peel and cause rust spots to form on the tool turret, around the chuck and tail stock. Use compressed air to push the coolant into the reservoir and use a cloth to wipe down surfaces after the machine has been shut down.
- 5). Warm the chuck up before attempting any cutting operations by turning it on, setting it to about 1,200 rpm and allowing it to spin for at least 10 minutes. Give the machine ample time to warm up and allow the oil to flow to the moving parts to prevent damage.