Way Oil, also known as way lube, has been used by machinists and machine manufacturers since the early days of the industrial revolution. Though many machining tool companies have developed their own versions, Way lube remains the most popular and effective choice for machining applications on both manual and CNC lathes, mills, and other types of machines. Here is a comprehensive list of everything you need to know about way lube.
What is Way Oil?
This is a type of hydraulic oil that has tackifiers as the main additives, which allow it to stick onto surfaces and resist water. This additive is appropriate for vertical machine parts like slideway systems where a smooth surface is important. The tackifiers also provide anti-rust protection and a high viscosity index which means that this oil maintains its viscosity at low temperatures. It also helps with surface finish because its tacky texture prevents chips from sticking to surfaces. It reduces friction between metal components, especially when they are in contact with each other while moving quickly. A good example is when making turns or doing fine adjustments during cutting.
Benefits of Way Oil
1. Enhance Surface Finish
The amazing thing about Way lube is that it enhances the finish by reducing friction between metal components. This ensures there’s no need for additional lubricants, thanks to the synthetic polymer properties of Way lube. These properties prevent corrosion, reduce machinery wear and tear, and can withstand higher pressures than mineral oils.
2. Improve Machine Accuracy
Way lube improves accuracy by helping machining components maintain their precision over time. Manufacturers who use Way Lube report improved part quality after the first round of production. They also find that Way Lube doesn’t drip and lasts longer than other types of oils. It is recommended for any industrial application that involves turning and pivoting.
3. Smooth Tool Motion
The tackifiers in Way Lube ensure smooth, friction-free operation for hand tools. It doesn’t harden or degrade because of its high viscosity index, which keeps it from thinning out over time. Way lube is also safe for plastics, so it’s an ideal choice for working on machines that have plastic components. It won’t leave behind an oily residue, making maintenance easier. It will keep gears running smoothly, especially in tough environments like mining sites where vibrations are common.
4. Reduce Deterioration
Way Lube has water-repellent properties that help it protect machine components from rust, corrosion, and wear. It contains hydrotalcite, a polymer that helps repel water. Hydrotalcite’s natural antibacterial properties resist mold and algae growth on surfaces as well. This is an added bonus for people who have machinery or tools in tough conditions where they may be exposed to mud or rainwater. Additionally, Way Lube protects against heat better than other oils. This means you’ll spend less money on replacement due to degradation over time.
Applications for Way Oil or Way Lube
When it comes to Way Lube, the applications for this product are limitless. Here are a few of the most common uses for Way lube:
1. Milling Machine:
Milling machine tools need to be constantly lubricated to reduce wear on the tool and increase efficiency. Proper application of Way lube is crucial to ensuring that this happens. The oil needs to reach all points of contact between the cutting edges of the milling tool and the surface being milled. An excellent way to do this is by using an automatic or manual lubricator, which will dispense a steady stream of oil as you use your milling machine.
Remember, if you notice any heat build-up or smoke coming from the milling machine while operating, stop immediately and apply more Way lube before continuing. It may seem small at first, but ignoring these warning signs can result in serious injury. For example, if you continue running your milling machine without applying Way lube to its blades and overheating occurs, the metal blade could become warped or break off completely.
If this were to happen while working with metal stock, there’s a chance that shards of metal could fly into other workers’ faces and cause serious injuries such as eye damage or even blindness. Even if this doesn’t happen, there’s still a chance that you’ll sustain cuts from sharp pieces of metal flying around the room.
2. Lathe Machine:
Like with a milling machine, using Way lube is crucial if you plan on using your lathe for hours at a time. There are two main components to a lathe-the headstock and tailstock. The headstock spins while you’re turning metal or wood, while the tailstock stabilizes your object as it is being spun. These pieces should both be kept well-lubricated so that they move smoothly against each other and remain stationary. Using too much Way lube can make it difficult for your object to turn, so do not overdo it. Just apply enough to keep everything running smoothly. Make sure that the lube is applied evenly around the spinning parts and to each side of them, then let your workpiece spin until you see no more movement from either component.
3. Planers:
Way lube is also applied when using a planer. With machines like these, oils must be used in conjunction with finely-ground sandpaper to ensure that the wood isn’t scratched or torn apart by the moving parts within. Since this process generates a lot of sawdust, covering the machine with a tarp beforehand can help collect it and prevent dust from getting everywhere. Then when finished, wipe down all surfaces of your planer to remove excess dust before applying Way lube again. Be careful not to contaminate the Way lube during the wiping process, though. If done correctly, the final results should be smooth, clean surfaces.
4. Screw Machines:
If you’re unsure what a screw machine is, think of an old-fashioned sewing machine. These machines make products like clothing and gloves by using needles that pierce through cloth or leather with incredible speed. While these needles can be quite sharp, they require precise lubrication to function without jamming or cutting into other parts of the machine. This is where Way lube comes in handy. All you have to do is put a drop or two of Way lube on the needle and allow it to seep in. This not only keeps your machine from becoming jammed, but it can also extend the life of your needle by preventing metal fatigue that usually comes from repeated impact with other objects.
Fusion Way Oil
Fusion Chemical has many maintenance oils including way oils that support both heavy-weight slideways and medium-weight slideways.
This lubricant provides improved frictional properties to eliminate stick slides and enables smooth, consistent, and accurate machining operation.
- Excellent Metal Wetting
- Eliminate Stick Slides
- Rust Protection
- Superior Lubrication
Check out our shop for Way Oil 68 and Way Oil 220 by Fusion Chemical.
FAQs
1. What is special about way oil?
Way oil offers a smooth, clean finish and is easy to apply, even in the tightest spaces. It also provides an excellent protective coating on machine parts, which prevents rust and corrosion that can result in costly downtime. It also helps avoid stick-slip problems in sliding metal parts by providing lubrication for contact points between gears.
2. What is way oil made from?
This oil is made from mineral base oils such as petroleum or synthetic oils such as ester, ether, or silicone oils with additives such as antirust and anticorrosive agents, antioxidants, stabilizers and viscosity index improvers, friction modifiers, and thickening agents. This makes it suitable for use in machinery subjected to extreme temperatures and conditions.
3. What viscosity is way oil?
Way lube comes in many viscosities, ranging from 32 cSt to 220 cSt. Viscosity is a measure of how fast an oil flows and determines what operating temperature it can withstand. The higher the number means that it is thick and can be used under high temperatures.
4. Is way oil the same as hydraulic oil?
Way lube is a type of hydraulic oil specifically designed for machines. Hydraulic oil has more impurities than way lube, so it can’t be used in delicate machines like those found in factories. They have a lower viscosity range than other types of oils, so they flow better at lower temperatures, but they are not suited to colder climates because they thicken quickly at low temperatures.
In a nutshell, way lube helps create smooth, clean surfaces and protects against rusting, corrosion, and sticking when working on a variety of tools. For the best results on your tools, consider using this versatile oil.
