lubricating jointer-planer, suggestions please

[Howard Pollack]

I have an older Robland jointer-planer. The planer table moves up and down, supported by a large central column, driven by an acme thread. It is becoming squeeky and a bit rough when I move it, clearly needing lubrication. The question is what is the appropriate lubricant for the acme thread? I'm concerned that using a grease like Lubriplate will get the thread gunked up with sawdust. Do folks have other suggestions for this purpose? Thanks.
-Howard

[Mel Fulks]

I've used the anti seize type stuff on several old jointers when I've had to pull down and adjust them. Never seen any get any routine lube. The stuff seems to hold up well and make tiny outfeed table adjustments smooth and non popping.

[John TenEyck]

My MiniMax manual says to apply a small amount of grease, monthly!, to the column and the acme thread. I greased both, sparingly, when I put it back together 2 years ago; haven't touched it since and all seems fine. If you are worried about sawdust gunking up the acme thread then use paraffin, like many do with the trunions and acme threads inside a TS. Triflow works pretty well, too, used sparingly. I think you would need to remove the grease first for either of those approaches.

John

[Bill Dufour]

Do not use silicone as it may contaminate wood for finishing. I would use dry teflon or graphite suspended in alcohol.
B

[Don Jarvie]

I use 3-1 oil on a rag and wipe down the parts on my planer. Don't have an issues with sawdust sticking.

[Martin Wasner]

Grease. Sawdust sticking to it is a good thing.

Do not use anti seize. It's grease mixed with pulverized glass. Intended to prevent threads from rusting together, not for operational threads.

[Mel Fulks]

Thanks Martin . Most interesting !

[Mel Fulks]

Looks like the one I've been using is okay ,but a careful reading of the label type is needed

[Curt Harms]

I've used spray 'teflon' for convenience. Paste wax (non silicone) has been a favorite for years.

[Rod Sheridan]

Hi, the manual for my J/P lists grease as the lubricant, I've been using it for 9 years without issue, same for the column on my shaper.........Rod.

[Gary Radice]

I like to use a dry bicycle chain lube for applications like this.

[Howard Pollack]

Thanks everyone!
Howard