Axminster M900 service - grease.

[ian_in_the_midlands]

After 6 years of problem free use, I think it must be time to give my Axminster M900 lathe a service.
The manual states:/
".. on the end of the motor shaft there is a small grease nipple which is used to lubricate the sliding half of the motor pulley. This will also need grease periodically."

The grease nipple is not a normal type, but looks like a ball bearing held against a hole. See picture.
The manual is not much more help.

Can anyone tell me:

1. What type of grease should I use?
2. How do I get it in there?
3. How do I know when I have put enough in?

Thanks.

 

[CHJ]

<<< Link

One of these or its equivalent is all that's needed.
You are lucky if you have go away without lubricating in all that time, my machine needed monthly tickling with lub.
Mine was supplied full of general purpose bearing grease but above link does not make it clear if it includes grease.

 

[Robbo3]

Chas kindly provided the same answer for me, when I asked the same question. I had not come across that type of grease fitting before & only had a standard grease gun that gripped a nipple.

The 'pompom' type gun (as I believe they are called), linked to above, came ready filled with a suitable grease. I was using a thick oil previously in the belief that anything, even the wrong lube, was better than nothing. IIRC there is an outlet hole for the grease somewhere near the pulleys. You should see it ooze out when enough grease has been applied.
I also had concerns about being able to hold the gun squarely to the nipple. I had to pull the lathe out so as to be able to position the gun with my left hand whilst my more dominant right hand applied the pressure. I had a little squeeze out but nothing to cause concern & it was easily cleaned with a tissue.

 

[ian_in_the_midlands]

Gun and grease ordered. Thanks.