On the interweb...

[Dee2]

Stumbled across an announcement that Robust is now offering gouges. Brent is starting with a 5/8" parabolic. Interesting. Like all things Robust, these are not priced for entry level users, IMHO. http://www.turnrobust.com/product/turners-edge/


Looks like the Robust webpage has gone through an update. Brent has posted a succinct paper on lathe maintenance that is generic-pertinent to any lathe-that may be worth a quick review for all turners. Check it out: http://www.turnrobust.com/lathe-maintenence/

Robust is scheduled to have a booth at the AAW in Raleigh.

 

[Hmerkle]

Thanks Dee
That is a GREAT article on lathe maintenance too!

I noticed in the "spindle thread maintenance" section Brent mentions adding a drop of lubricant to the spindle threads. There is always concerns with a lubricant affecting the wood or finish.
I immediately thought of a Christopher Schwarz post in the 2015 anarchists gift guide on the B'laster dry lube.
https://www.popularwoodworking.com/...hists-2015-gift-guide-day-4-blaster-dry-lube/

I have been using it successfully in the shop since then. (not Woodworking related, but I use it for my hedge trimmer prior to trimming and the blades are well "lubed" yet no leaves branches etc. stick to the trimmer!)

Having PTFE (teflon) in the product may be a concern for some people but I think it is a nice secret weapon!

 

[Dee2]

Thread seizing/galling might be an issue for all spindles where dissimilar materials are 'joined'. That is why light lubrication might be suggested. I use dry moly on my Unisaw trunions and wonder if that would be an alternative to teflon on a lathe spindle. Maybe one of our machinists can chime in.

I've not had an issue with any kind of galvanic action between my lathe spindle and chucks, faceplates, etc. I use everything from CS to AL including direct threaded wood. I do brush the threads regularly-seems my dentist gives me a new tooth brush with every visit and the old ones go in a bucket in the shop. They seem to be good for brushing out spindle and chuck threads with a blast of compressed air. FWIW, I use a 12 gauge barrel brush for the MT2 sockets.

 

[Hmerkle]

There are two more good suggestions (maybe three)
an old toothbrush is good for cleaning threads (not only the lathe, but router, dremel, andthing that has threads and needs to be clean when put together)
Second a 12 ga barrel brush is good for cleaning a #2 morse taper!

...and for the bonus round - get your teeth cleaned every six months and get a new (free) tool for the shop!