The recommended oil is a light ISO 32 (approx SAE 10) plain oiltypically used in hydraulic systems. Typical example is Esso Nuto 32.
Engine oil is better than nothing. The additives in some automotive oils may damage some copper based bearing alloys. The slides and ways should be lubricated with heavier ISO 68 (approx SAE 20-30).

Don’t use engine oil on S 7 it’s not good for bronze bearings.

It must be at least 25 years ago now, but the late Malcolm Townend who was then the works manager at Myford, Beeston, attended a club meeting to present a history of Myford and to promote its products. During the ‘question and answer’ session following the lecture I recall he was asked specifically about Myford lathe lubrication and responded by saying that under no circumstances should motor oils be used on Myford products. This was because they contain additives and detergents, which whilst being entirely beneficial when used in the application for which they are formulated, they can cause damage and thus accelerated wear to bronze and other lubricated surfaces. I can only repeat Mr. Townend’s advice.

Hi Peter!

I am currently using up a bottle of Halfords Trolley Jack Oil, which is stated as ISO 32. I paid under a tenner for this not too long ago,but a quick look does not show it on Their website now.

I had a look on Amazon and have seen a 5L bottle (classed as Log Splitter Oil) for £25 (£5/L), and a 20L drum for £50 (£2.50/L), both a lot cheaper than ‘Official’ sources?

Cheers, (Oh, don’t drink it!!)   Morty

In the context of motor oils and that they may/can cause damage to bronze bearing The oils being referred to are the EP type gear oils best known as axle oils when vehicles (cars and light vans)had a crown wheel and pinion rear axle. The commonest was EP90, a fluid with a viscosity so high that one could knock over the container and it would not spill out for some time – why one would use such a lubricant on a lathe i have to question ? I has a most unpleasant smell and it will take many washes to remove it from ones hands. For our purposes multigrade engine oil or synthetics are wasted.

This topic is a regular visitor to the forum ! Any oil is better than a dry bearing ! Hydraulic is designed for a much harsher environment than a lathe ( even a Myford ) so ISO 32 hydraulic or SAE 10, they may well have anti foaming agents, no problem ! There is also a straight SAE 10 engine oil that will work if that is what you have. Then the bed etc A STRAIGHT SAE 30 mineral oil ( classic car engine oil ) or ISO 68, this is not a multigrade and does not have the viscosity modifying polymers Etc in it that may concern some.

Of the lesser known oil producers is Morris Oils and Witham oils and Paints. I have used both ! Noel.

As I posted earlier, I thought it was only EP oils that are a problem. However following Robert’s post I’ve been googling (yes I’m bored waiting for SWMBO to get ready) and it appears he’s right, some anti wear additives in engine oil can cause issues with copper. You won’t know which ones, so the argument ‘I’ve been using it for years’ won’t wash. ISO 32 is cheap enough I’d just use it.

Doesn’t most motors have bronze bearings these days?

Then there is the matter of detergents, as I understand it they should only be used if you have a filter. Most machinery does not have this, so they rely on settling to get rid of contamination.