What's the Best Lubricant for Your Machine?

As a machine operator, you know one of the most important steps in ensuring your machines run properly and perform at their best is with proper lubrication. Without quality industrial lubrication you can expect damaged and/or broken equipment, productivity delays, and a messy work environment, as well as the possibility of workplace accidents. 

Understanding how the right lubricant works with your machine is a sure way to minimize risks on the job. Many of the lubricants used in an industrial setting are made from either mineral or synthetic oil.  It’s important to understand what your lubricants are made of as well as the different affects that they can have on machinery.

Mineral Oil Lubricants
 Mineral oil comes from crude oil, with the quality depending on the refining process. There is a grading scale for oil and different applications require different oil quality. Mineral oil is mainly made up of four different types of molecules – paraffin, branched paraffin, naphthene, and aromatic. Mineral oil is generally used in engine oils, industrial lubricants, and processing oils, making it perfect for industrial applications. 

Synthetic Oil Lubrications
Synthetic oils are man-made fluids that have identical straight chained structures. One of the benefits of synthetic oil is that the molecular size and weight are constant, while mineral oils vary greatly, allowing their properties to be much more predictable. Unlike natural mineral lubricants, synthetic oils are much harsher on the environment as they cost more to make and are both toxic and difficult to dispose of.

At MagLube, our industrial lubrication systems are crafted with biodegradable components making it effective and harmless to you and the environment. For higher efficiency, longer life, better reliability, and less money spent on maintenance of your tools, update your industrial lubrication systems to MagLube MQL systems.

Why is Lubricant so Important?

Taking proper care of your metalworking tools is essential to their performance and longevity. Just as your car needs the oil changed and the tires need rotating, the lubrication system for your tools needs checking and changing consistently. 

Keeping metalworking tools in prime condition is essential to the success of your metal shop, with the first step to consistent performance and longevity being dependable lubrication.  

Without proper lubrication, milling machines, band saws, and other cutting equipment are unable to perform to their full potential. The right industrial lubricant can extend the life of your cutting tools and ensure that they produce accurately and consistently.

Increased Friction - Decreasing friction is among the key benefits of our lubrication. Increased friction can lead to damaged core components, which dramatically shortens their usefulness and overall life spans.

Increased Heat - The more friction, the more heat – and the more heat produced means the greater the chance of your equipment overheating.  Overheated machinery can lead to a number of problems, including broken components, broken machinery, and injured operators. 

Keeping your tools and equipment lubricated is one of the best things you can do for them. A good lubricant allows each of a tool’s core components to carry out its respective jobs in a smooth and efficient manner.  An MQL system, especially MagLube’s environmentally-friendly solution, is the reliable lubrication system you need. To learn more about our MQL products, visit our website at MagLube.com.

What Not to Do When Operating a Band Saw

A band saw can be very dangerous if not used properly. As with any cutting machinery, you want to be sure to be properly trained before operating one - both for your own personal safety and that of those nearby. 

Whether you’re employed as a band saw operator or you use one as a hobby at home, it’s imperative to read the owner’s manual or receive training first-hand from someone who has to ensure you’re using the tool as it’s meant to be used. Be 100% sure you understand how to operate the band saw before making your first cut. 

In our previous blog, “Safety First: Band Saw Operator Tips” we discussed tips on personal safety when operating a band saw, as well as safety tips for the machine, such as proper band saw lubricant tips. There are also important rules to know and follow for what should not be done with a band saw while operating it. 

For the seasoned professionals, surely you know and adhere to these guidelines. As for those new to operating a band saw, you’ll want to read and heed this advice. 

- Never use excessive force when pushing the wood past the blade.
- Do not stop a band saw by thrusting stock against the cutting edge or the side of a blade immediately after the power has been shut off.
- Do not back the stock away from the blade while the saw is in motion, if the work piece binds, or pinches on the blade.
-Never leave a saw running unattended. Turn off the power and make sure the machine has stopped completely before leaving the area.

Safety first when it comes to operating heavy machinery, especially cutting tools. Training, taking precautions and staying alert are key to your protection.

Safety First: Band Saw Operator Tips

While it's true that accidents and emergency situations can happen in any environment, in any industry, at any time, this is especially true when working with heavy-duty industrial machinery. 

Although every profession poses various levels of safety hazards, few of them require workers to operate the heavy-duty machinery found in metal shops and manufacturing facilities. Whether you’re an experienced band saw operator or have only recently entered the profession, there are safety precautions you’ll need to adhere to for the sake of your personal safety.

Personal Safety
-Wear safety glasses, goggles or a face shield.
-Keep your hands well out of the line of cut. This means never pushing metal directly into a blade or having your hands anywhere near the blade while the tool is in use.
-Make sure all guards are in place and properly adjusted. Ensure all band wheels are enclosed.
-Adjust blade guard height to about 3 mm or 1/8 inch above the top of the material being cut.
-Ensure the blade is under proper tension.
- Use band saw blades that are sharp and properly set.
-Keep the floor around a band saw clean and free of obstructions or clutter.

Machine Safety
If a band saw isn’t properly maintained, both your personal safety and the quality of your work is at risk. Cleaning the band saw after every use will help prevent dust and debris from building up and finding its way inside the gears of your equipment. Make sure you lubricate with a specialized aluminum lubricant and replace dull blades as soon as possible.

Safety precautions are an integral part of manufacturing facilities. Workplace safety programs are designed to identify and eliminate hazards that employees face in varied work environments based on experiences and in-depth plant evaluations. Staying consciously aware of your surroundings and recognizing potential hazards will significantly reduce risks to yourself and your coworkers.

Eco-Friendly Lube That's the Best In the Business

If you're currently using a cooling or lubricating solution on your metalworking tools that contains toxic or hazardous components than it's time to make a change! No longer is your only choice of metalworking fluid an unsafe product that is hazardous to your health and that of your employees. 

Not only is there a superior industrial minimum quantity lubrication system available for your milling machines, circular saws or industrial presses, but that same system is also "green." If being eco-friendly, as well as keeping your employee’s safe from harsh chemicals is important to you than you need to make the switch to MagLube aluminum lubricant.

Our top-of-the-line lubricants are leagues above the competition. Other lubricants are packed full of harsh, potentially hazardous chemicals, but our line of industrial lubricants are manufactured with organic oils that not only provide optimal performance, but help reduce a workplace’s carbon footprint. 

Another primary benefit of using our company’s lubricants is the high lubricity they provide to machinery. Many of the oils used in our products are much higher in lubricity than our competitors and will provide a smoother, safer working experience. 

If you’re searching for ways to extend the life of your tools and equipment while drastically improving their performance, regular lubrication is something you cannot skip. For all of the best industrial lubrication systems, shop our line of eco-friendly lubricants today at MagLube.com.