A wood lathe is simpler than a metal lathe: the work is shaped by hand with gouges and chisels, so there is less mechanism. Even so, smooth movement of the tailstock, tool rest and spindle decides the quality of the finished piece, and shavings, dust and resin find their way into every gap.
In an unheated workshop or garage, where condensation settles on the cast iron bed in winter, rust joins the dirt. A quick clean after each session and a thorough service every few months keep the lathe accurate and smooth.
What you will need
Important: Switch off the lathe and unplug it before any maintenance. Never apply any product to rotating parts while the motor is running.
Step 1
Clear shavings and dust
After every session, brush heavy shavings off the bed, tool rest and headstock and tailstock. Pick up fine dust with a powerful vacuum. Avoid compressed air: it drives dust and chips into mechanisms and bearings.
Step 2
Remove old deposits
Old lubricant mixed with dust and moisture hardens into a sticky film. Apply WD-40 Multi-Use to a cloth or directly to the dirty area, let it work and wipe off. The same method removes resin from the slides and light rust marks on the bed.
Step 3
Protect the bed from corrosion
Wipe the bed and exposed metal surfaces with a cloth lightly moistened with WD-40 Multi-Use. It displaces moisture and leaves a thin protective film. Before your next session, wipe off any excess so it does not mark the workpiece.
Step 4
Lubricate the sliding parts
The tool rest banjo, tailstock and quill should slide smoothly and lock firmly. Apply a thin film of WD-40 Specialist Silicone to the sliding surfaces and clamps, move them back and forth a few times and wipe off the excess with a dry cloth.
Step 5
Service the screws and handwheel
Clean the tailstock quill screw, handwheel and clamp threads and lubricate them with WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease: the thick grease does not run and stays on threads for a long time. Check the spindle for play and the drive belt for wear.
Step 6
Check the switch
Once a year, disconnect the power, open the switch housing, vacuum out the dust and treat the contacts with WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner. It dissolves deposits and condensation, dries quickly and leaves no residue.
Tip: Silicone and grease on the surface of a workpiece can cause blemishes under lacquer or oil finishes. Lubricate only the mechanism, wipe off excess thoroughly and wash your hands before handling a piece that will be finished.
What next
Clean the lathe after every session and lubricate the moving parts monthly if you use it regularly. For the rest of the workshop, see our guides to band saw and power tool maintenance.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».