TM 9-3418-200-14 & P
SPECIAL INFORMATION
CARE OF MACHINE TOOLS 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 finger 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 OIL) 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.
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