Replies

1. 
   mikeinohio | Apr 25, 2022 10:00am | #1

   I'm interested in the answers you receive.

   I've used a couple of teflon dry lubes and found they become ineffective in just a few months. Not a problem if you have easy access to the area - just spray it regularly.

   Bicycle websites recommend riders spray their chain every 50 to 100 miles with dry lube. For regular riders that can amount to twice a week!

   So, for the internal parts of machine tools that are a PIA to access, I've gone back to high-quality grease. Yes, it will attract sawdust - but I get years of service before cleaning and regreasing.

   Mike

2. 
   bilyo | Apr 25, 2022 10:26am | #2

   I'm not sure what manufacturers say about this. It is always good to take their recommendations. From my bicycle riding days, I found the following processes worked well although somewhat involved to do:
   -Remove the chain and thoroughly clean it. If there is no other way to remove the chain, you may need to get an inexpensive tool to "break" the chain (sometimes there is a removable link). Check with any bicycle shop if you need the tool.
   -Using a double boiler, melt enough paraffin wax to submerge the chain.
   -Let the chain stay in the melted wax long enough to absorb the wax into the bearing surfaces (10-15 min)
   -Remove the chain, let it cool, and reinstall.
   This will keep the chain lubricated for quite a long while and will be "dry" so it will not attract dirt and grime like oil or grease.

3. 
   Kayleigh8 | Apr 26, 2022 03:00am | #3

   Both precision roller chains and engineering steel roller chains are commonly used in slat, apron, pusher and crossbar conveyors. Welded steel chains are widely used in scraper and drag chain conveyors. Forged link chains are frequently used in overhead trolley and floor conveyors.

4. 
   user-7627473 | Apr 26, 2022 07:19am | #4

   I use Tri-Flow on most elements like this on my stationary power tools. Now it's sold in most hardware stores. Teflon "dry lubes" like this are perfect for these applications. That said they are not going to prevent necessary cleanings just like a bike chain (uggh) - very good protection/lube though. Note that typically on a "bike chain" you just put a drop on each "barrel".
   https://www.triflowlubricants.com/product-category/lubricants/

5. 
   DRBWWing | Apr 26, 2022 10:21am | #5

   I've never even looked at the chain on my 20+ yr old planer.

   Have I done something wrong? I works like the day I bought it.

1. 
   TaunTonMacoute | May 02, 2022 11:16am | #13

   Ha! My kind of woodworker -- it doesn't pay to go looking for problems.

6. 
   stantheman | Apr 26, 2022 08:19pm | #6

   White lithium grease (or spray) is my go-to for things like this, but I'll admit I've not done anything to the chain.

7. 
   gulfstar | Apr 26, 2022 09:36pm | #7

   This chain in its lifetime will see about the same burden as a bicycle chain sees in a short ride. I grease it every 20 years and sometimes go beyond.

8. 
   john_c2 | Apr 27, 2022 04:02am | #8

   I thought greasing the chain was a euphemism. I didn't think folks were putting actual grease on an actual chain.

9. 
   rob_ss | Apr 27, 2022 04:42am | #9

   I just greased mine after almost 25 years - it was getting a bit stiff. WD40 did the trick.

10. 
    DRBWWing | Apr 27, 2022 10:49am | #10

    WD40 isn't grease, I would think it would not be a good thing to use, as it washes out whatever grease is there, and doesn't last long as a lubricant.

    I've got a can of WD40 Specialist Dirt and Dust PTFE that is supposed to be intended for machinery, but I've never used it.

11. 
    Ross85 | Apr 30, 2022 11:42am | #11

    I decided to use the PB Blaster "Dry Lube with Teflon". The depth adjustment crank turns easier now. I'll check again after some use to see how much wood and grit has stuck to the chain.

1. 
   rob_ss | Apr 30, 2022 10:08pm | #12

   Thanks for posting the update. So few do.

12. 
    bergenfurniture | May 20, 2022 01:42am | #14

    If you look at the DW’s site, you will see it says any general-purpose grease would work. However, silicone grease is desired as it would attract less dust. If you want to be more sure, you can check the grease the brand offers as a service part for the planer.