SPECIAL INFORMATION
CARE OF MACHINE TOOILS THAT ARE NOT IN USE
When a machine is taken out of service, such as in a school where they would not be used during the summer months or
at some other vacation or off period, it should be properly taken care of as follows:
1. Thoroughly clean the machine, being sure that all surfaces are cleaned. It is as important to clean the painted
surfaces as well as the machined surfaces. The machine should be cleaned with some type of solvent if the
machine has accumulated hard to remove deposits. If all deposits are not removed and a protective coating is
applied, it will make the machine doubly hard to clean when the machine is put back into service. A neutralizing
agent should be used where finder printing is common or where the climate is very damp.
2. After the machine has been thoroughly cleaned all of the machined surfaces should be covered with either a
good Grade of medium weight MACHINE OIL (NOT AUTO ENGINE OII,) or if the machine is going to be out of
service for a long period of time a light weight grease (commercial petroleum jelly that has been thinned with
naptha or mineral spirits is very good) should be used. When covering the machine surfaces care should be
taken so that the machined surfaces are completely covered. Also you should try and keep the oil and grease off
the painted surfaces.
3. If the machine has belts of any type, they should be loosened, so that they will not stretch while the machine is
not in use.
4. All power to the machine should be disconnected. Some machines could be very easily damaged if run after
being out of service for a long period of time.
5. The machine should be covered with a cover that will keep dust and dirt from accumulating on it. Also the cover
should be liquid repellent to keep any liquid from coming into contact with the working parts of the machine.
These covers are available for all sizes and types of machines.
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