While ultimately rod building related, I have a question that may not appear to be so. Are there any members here well-versed in the lubrication industry? I have a special application and could use some expert advice. It involves very minimal load, either radial or axial, very low speed = 9 RPM, .5in 2024 aluminum shaft resting in an “Oilite” bronze bushing with .001-.0015 clearance. I am afraid that the minimal load and speed will not generate enough heat to release the oil from the bushing and although the shaft is good quality aluminum, it is still aluminum (soft) nonetheless. I am hoping to discover the best lubricant that will not seep all over the place.
Any help will be greatly appreciated. Helpful replies can be sent to my personal email as well.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Dry powder graphite.

Dennis J. Danku
(Sayreville,NJ)

I believe that with the specs you mention no lube would be required. What bad thiing would lube prevent?

Thanks for the replies.
Dennis, I too am considering graphite powder to avoid a messy seepage of grease, let alone oil. I do not know if it is compatible with an Oilite bushing or not, hence my inquiry from those who know more than me on the subject.
Micheal, maybe I am crying before I’m hit and don’t need any additional lube; afterall, it is an Oilite bushing which typically does not require lubrication. As stated above, I am concerned with not generating enough heat for the bushing to release the impregnated oil.
I typically prefer ball or needle bearings but the bushing approach was more practical for this application. I would just like to avoid junking these machined shafts if simply adding the proper lubrication is all it takes.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

I think you could get away with no lubrication also. That said I always like some.

Could you add a couple/four felt washers on (each) side(s) of bushings and then oil them? That is what they basically do with motors and it works. Use a light viscosity mineral oil.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

If there is not enough heat to disperse the lube in the bushing, is there any need for lube? Again, I ask, what negative thing will adding lube prevent? The only thing I can think of is excessive torgure to turn it, but your specs indicate that is unlikely. Try it without lube and see what happens. I guarantee it will not be a significant problem. Yes, I've been wrong before, but don't think so this time.

I turn cork with a mandrel that is based in a cheap ball bearing which I lube with a couple drops of oil about every other year. With light loads and low speeds, I really don't think any lube is necessary.

Dry powder graphite can be messy. I would stay with a liquid lubricant. You won't need much. I'm thinking a light weight oil that is used on a sewing machine or similar application. Without a high load or high amount of friction, you just need a surface film.

Oil and grease doesn't flow because of heat, they flow from capillary action, the microscopic imperfections in the rotating materials and grease is simply oil suspended in a soap base that resembles down, or fiberfill at rest and breaks bonds and flows till it is brought to rest where it instantly reforms the matrix again suspending the oil in place.

Thank you for the additional replies form Russell, Ed and Spencer. Given the received information / opinions, it looks like the best approach will be to add a thin coat of 30WT oil to the bushing and simply run it for 2-6 hours, take it apart and inspect. I can appreciate Russell’s suggestion of the felt washers but will probably not bother. If I gall-up these machined shafts, I am going to hunt you all down like dogs lol.
Thanks to all responding. While I may certainly be guilty of crying before being hit, you know what an overthinker I can be. But I would certainly like to avoid having to machining new shafts.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

In some of the old ships I was on in the CG we had oilers a simple hole or small container tapped into the top of bushings adding oil and letting gravity do the rest was all that was needed.

Mark,
Just leave it alone.
The oil lite bearings will last as long as the motor. The load on the shaft and bearings is really of little consequence, so I would just use it. Keep a spare motor on hand, so when this motor fails, cartridge in a new one. Just like a 30:30 carbine.

Best wishes

Keep us posted how it turns out.