Can I use these lubricants of my MK3?
I was researching for oil and grease to use on MK3 for the monthly maintenance. However, I did not get any clear answer to which produce to use. From what I gather is to use silicone base oil for the smooth rod and lithium base grease for the z screw lead and the bondtech gear. So my question is can I use this 3 in 1 for the smooth rod?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/3-IN-ONE-4-oz-All-Temp-Silicone-Drip-Oil-120008/300719538
Can I use this white lithium grease of the e-gear and z screw lead?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lucas-Oil-8-oz-White-Lithium-Grease-10533/202535870
If not, what are your recommend to be use?
Thank you
Re: Can I use these lubricants of my MK3?
I use regular machine oil on the smooth rods and lithium grease on the z screw lead ...
Re: Can I use these lubricants of my MK3?
+1 for light oil and white lithium grease. I would never use silicon based lubes on a printer.
Re: Can I use these lubricants of my MK3?
+1 for light oil and white lithium grease. I would never use silicon based lubes on a printer.
You guys don't wanna know what I use... At least you shouldn't.
I use.
Gun oil for linear bearings, loaded with teflon... which is a big no-no, to many many people. (smooth rods)
I use High pressure Gear Grease for Z screw, and Bondtech gears. This is basically the exact opposite of Lithium grease.
Although honestly, I don't know any applications where lithium grease actually out-performs the High Molybdenum grease...
I used to work in industrial maintenance, and I learned, it seriously does not matter what you use, as long as you use something. In theory you should not "intermingle" oil and grease... and I agree with that 100%. Except on a "sealed" bearing, such as the linear ones on the mk3, you would "expect" them to be maintance free. And they are "sealed" right? So putting oil on the rods would make no difference? Right? wrong.
The issue with oiling a "bearing" is it's a "one way deal". As in, once you start, you do NOT get the option of stopping. You gotta stay on it for the rest of time.
Oil is better than grease 99% of the time. The issue is, grease WANTS to stay on it. Oil does NOT. So they both have high and low points in their usages. I love Teflon "enhanced" lubercants, as I find they function kinds like a grease, in that the teflon is the gift that keeps on giving.
In theory the teflon can cause the bearings to not move smoothly. I would consider this a legit concern if you have Misumi Bearings/rods.
If you just have the stuff the Mk3 came with, or if it's cheap stuff from china... Who cares, it's so sloppy, a little teflon build up might even help you.
Any "dry" oil such as silicone is BAD, and should NOT be used on metal parts. EVER. ESPECIALLY bearings. The "dry" silicone VERY easily and quickly wears off, and it gets kinda "gunky". The only time you should ever use "silicione" based lubercants, are for say, car door seals, and objects you don't want to stick together. Do not think of it as a "mechinical" oil. More like. "My car door seal sticks REALLY bad in the winter for some reason, I should use silicone oil to fix it." Oil.
Hi, I'm Sean. I used to work on CNC machines.
I try to not make mistakes, but the decision is YOURS.
Please feel free to donate to my filament/maintance fund.