Lube on V guide rails?

[tim_mcknight]

Do y'all lube the V rails on your Buddy's? Mine are dry and there is some VERY dark black residue on the surface of the rails. If I lube the rails I would assume that dust and chips would stick to them? If you lube them what do you use?

[erik_f]

I used lithium grease. My machine came with a small tube of it. I put a light coating on all moving parts. Not sure if you are supposed to or not but I feel better with metal to metal greased

[myxpykalix]

I have found that when you grease the rails you get lots of sawdust sticking to them that gets transferred to the wheel and can cause problems on your cuts. I do grease everything else though.

[harryball]

I use T9 on the V rails. It has some lube value but it also keeps them from rusting and the saw dust does not stick to them. I take a rag once a week if it's been running and spray the rag, then drag it over the V rail. I also squirt a little T9 directly on the rollers while I move the bot.

/RB

[br928]

Ditto on the use of T9 on the rails. I use scotchbrite to clean the rails of any accumulated debris and rust ( I have the older ground ones) and reapply T9 with a rag. It's great for preventing rust in our humid environment and it does not attract sawdust.

Be careful using around wood that you might apply a finish to as it does contain silicone.

[kenakabrowncom]

Sorry guys... being stupid... but what is T9?

[erik_f]

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=agR&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=resul t&cd=1&q=t9+lubricant&spell=1 (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=agR&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=resul t&cd=1&q=t9+lubricant&spell=1)

[harryball]

Not stupid, I didn't know what it was the first time I heard of it either.

Another good product is Fluid Film.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=fluid+film&aq=f&oq= (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=fluid+film&aq=f&oq=)

Not as much for lubing but rust protection. I use it on equipment, tractors, trailers etc... I also used in on boat outboards, works great.

/RB

[tim_mcknight]

Thanks guys. I have used T9 many times and although I prefer "Slip-it" which is a similar product made for protecting bare steel surfaces. I think I will give both a try.

[Gary Campbell]

Tim...
If you have anywhere the humidity that we do here in the Keys, you should keep the rails nearly wet to prevent rust. Heres an earlier post: http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/312/23407.html
And pics of version 2:

3570
We keep them saturated with white grease, RD-90, WD40, compressor oil etc. The sawdust mostly gets wiped away, the rest polishes the rails.

Heres one on the Y:

3571
Gary