Before assembling my OX CNC, should I lubricate the bearings for the SolidWheels ? I have a bottle of sewing machine oil which (I think) is perfect for these bearings, but will it do any good to them ?
No prob. Adding, some bearing grease will breakdown and dilute when certain oils are added. The bearings will roll much smoother and seems to be working better at first, but everything will end up galling and getting rough in the end. I learned this when I applied 3 in 1 to some roller blade bearings years ago. The 3 in 1 made those bearing so slick at first. When I spun them by hand they would go for what seemed like forever. However, after a few exciting rides on a half pipe one wheel seized in one foot and the other foot began to feel like I was riding on stones. Always use a designated bearing grease....when possible. Happy machining.
Exactly, it is certainly not 'the more oil or grease, the better'. There are so many different types of oil / grease and you can not just mix them. On the other hand I know that ball-bearings should not run 'dry'. I was thinking : how can the manufacturer know what is going to be the application and thus the best lubrication.. So I assumed they would be 'blank' and not pre-lubed. I am happy to learn that they are. So, forward with the OX assembly
Bearings are usually rated for a specific load. Manufacturers will usually pack them with lube up to that load rating. The issue is that higher viscosity grease can be an inhibitor due to increased rolling resistance with lighter loads. Even if you didn't post the question and added the oil you probably wouldn't have had any problems.
