Cleaning Machines

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A mill after proper cleaning

Cleaning the shop machines is one of the most important rules of the shop. Not only does it increase the longevity of the machines, but it also creates a safer environment for everyone in the shop. See below for a quick reference guide.

Why Cleaning is Important

Increase life of all machines

  • The cleaner the machines are the less time and money required to maintain them.


The Quality of the Machined Parts are Maintained

  • Keeping tracks clean will prevent them from getting worn down and off center. If they are scratched up and worn down the movement of parts along the tracks will be sticky and can cause imperfections to the item being machined.


A Cleaner Shop is a Safer Shop

  • Keeping oil off the floor will keep people from slipping and injuring themselves.
  • Metal shavings can cause splinters and cuts to the machine operators.
  • It is more comfortable to work on a clean machine, this allows the operator to focus on what they are doing and prevents them from losing fingers.


Keeps The Shop Presentable

  • Looks good to all people invested.
  • Is a presentation point for potential investors and students.

Proper Machine Cleaning Procedure

Using WD40 on vice

***Remember to give yourself at least 10 minutes to clean the machines***


1. Clean all tools and place back into proper locations

  • Use rag to remove grease and shavings from tools.
  • Use compressed air if necessary to dry any tools hit with coolant
  • Place all tools into their proper storage area


2. From top to bottom, use the hand broom to brush all large shavings off machine onto the floor

  • Use dustpan to catch shavings keeping them from spreading.


3. Use rag to soak up oil and coolant

Cleaning oil off of shield
  • Do not forget to wipe off things removed from machines this includes vices, fourth axis,etc... It also includes the bottom sides of these parts where the oil and coolant builds up and is never cleaned.
  • If necessary use compressed air and/or WD40 on metal parts touched by coolant.
  • Remove shavings from rag into garbage can before disposing of rag in bin.


4. Sweep up shavings off of floor

  • Make sure to get underneath the mats.


5. Vacuum all remaining shavings (on and off machine)


6. Scan 360 degrees around machine

  • Look for hidden and missed messes, move parts of machine if necessary.

Things to Avoid

Using Compressed Air to Blow Off Machines

  • Air can force metal shavings into the track systems on machines. These shavings will scratch up and wear down the tracks.
  • Shavings blown into the air can injure machinists.
  • Lubricant can be removed from parts.


Vacuuming Up Large Amounts of Oil

  • Large quantities of oil can plug vacuum filters.
  • Oil in the vacuum can over strain the motor.


Using Harmful Cleaning Material

  • Rough scrubbing tools can scratch up the machines
  • Certain chemicals can remove paint or damage finish.


Commonly Missed Messes

Behind Machines

  • Usually missed because these require more effort to clean or see.
  • Because these messes are avoided they build up and require a lot more time to clean.


Hidden Behind or Underneath Movable Objects

  • Under and inside vices are often neglected.
  • Under the tail of the lathes rarely get cleaned.


Single Step Machines

  • Belt sanders and grinders get used by many people and cleaned by few.
  • The drill press might only make a few smaller shavings but should still be cleaned.
Commonly missed messes:
Mess Description
Chips under back part of vise
This is an area of the vise that is not often seen. Make sure to open the vise approximately 6 in. to allow access for vacuum.
Rust on underside of vise
The underside of the vise is prone to rusting due to coolant remaining trapped for an extended period of time. The underside of the vise should receive the same cleaning procedures as the top. This is especially true for the HAAS vise.
Behind the CNC lathe
Behind the lathe is generally ignored or forgotten when the machine is cleaned. The back side of the lathe should be cleaned every use just like the rest of it.
Hidden mess under the manual lathe tails
When cleaning the manual lathe it is important to move its components to get to messes that are hidden by them.

Machine Specific Cleaning Procedures

Manual Mill Cleaning
Clean tools
Clean all tools and place back into proper locations.
Hand Broom
From top to bottom, use the hand broom to brush all large shavings off machine onto the floor
Wipe Down
Use rag to soak up oil and coolant
Sweep
Sweep up shavings off of floor
Vacuum
Vacuum all remaining shavings (on and off the machine)
Mop
If oil or coolant is spilled on the floor mop around machine.
Scan
Scan 360 degrees around the machines, moving parts to see hidden messes, repeat above steps if necessary.
CNC Mill Cleaning
Clean Tools
Clean all tools and place back into proper locations (Including bottom of vice and fourth axis)
Hand Broom
From top to bottom, use the hand broom to brush all large shavings off machine onto the floor
Wipe Down
Use rag to soak up oil and coolant
Sweep
Sweep up shavings off of floor
Vacuum
Vacuum all remaining shavings (on and off the machine)
Mop
If oil or coolant is spilled on the floor mop around machine.
Scan
Scan 360 degrees around the machines, moving parts to see hidden messes, repeat above steps if necessary.
Manual Lathe Cleaning
Clean Tools
Clean all tools and place back into proper locations.
Hand Broom
From top to bottom, use the hand broom to brush all large shavings off machine onto the floor
Wipe Down
Use rag to soak up oil and coolant
Sweep
Sweep up shavings off of floor
Vacuum
Vacuum all remaining shavings (on and off the machine)
Mop
If oil or coolant is spilled on the floor mop around machine.
Scan
Scan 360 degrees around the machines, moving parts to see hidden messes, repeat above steps if necessary.
Surface Grinder Cleaning
Clean Tools
Clean all tools and place back into proper locations.
Hand Broom
From top to bottom, use the hand broom to brush all large shavings off machine onto the floor
Squeegee
Use squeegee inside machine to push coolant down drain
Sweep
Sweep up shavings off of floor
Vacuum
Vacuum all remaining shavings (on and off the machine)
Mop
If oil or coolant is spilled on the floor mop around machine.
Scan
Scan 360 degrees around the machines, moving parts to see hidden messes, repeat above steps if necessary.
Drill Press Cleaning
Clean Tools
Clean all tools and place back into proper locations.
Hand Broom
From top to bottom, use the hand broom to brush all large shavings off machine onto the floor
Wipe Down
Use rag to soak up oil and coolant
Sweep
Sweep up shavings off of floor
Vacuum
Vacuum all remaining shavings (on and off the machine)
Mop
If oil or coolant is spilled on the floor mop around machine.
Scan
Scan 360 degrees around the machines, moving parts to see hidden messes, repeat above steps if necessary.
Belt Sander Cleaning
Hand Broom
Sweep up shavings off of floor
Vacuum
Vacuum all remaining shavings (on and off the machine)
Scan
Scan 360 degrees around the machines, moving parts to see hidden messes, repeat above steps if necessary.
CNC Lathe Cleaning
Clean Tools
Clean all tools and place back into proper locations.
Hand Broom
From top to bottom, use the hand broom to brush all large shavings off machine onto the floor
Wipe Down
Use rag to soak up oil and coolant
Sweep
Sweep up shavings off of floor (Including backside of machine)
Vacuum
Vacuum all remaining shavings (on and off the machine)
Mop
If oil or coolant is spilled on the floor mop around machine
Scan
Scan 360 degrees around the machines, moving parts to see hidden messes, repeat above steps if necessary.
Dispose
Dispose of refuse inside of bin
Vertical Band Saw Cleaning
Clean Tools
Clean all tools and place back into proper locations.
Hand Broom
From top to bottom, use the hand broom to brush all large shavings off machine onto the floor
Wipe Down
Use rag to soak up oil and coolant
Sweep
Sweep up shavings off of floor
Vacuum
Vacuum all remaining shavings (on and off the machine)
Mop
If oil or coolant is spilled on the floor mop around machine.
Scan
Scan 360 degrees around the machines, moving parts to see hidden messes, repeat above steps if necessary.
Horizontal Band Saw Cleaning
Hand Broom
From top to bottom, use the hand broom to brush all large shavings off machine onto the floor
Wipe Down/Pre Vacuum
Use rag or wet/dry vacuum to soak up coolant (Do not use vacuum for sucking up oil)
Sweep
Sweep up shavings off of floor
Vacuum
Vacuum all remaining shavings (on and off the machine)
Protect
Lightly coat metal parts with WD40 to protect from rusting
Mop
If oil or coolant is spilled on the floor mop around machine.
Scan
Scan 360 degrees around the machines, moving parts to see hidden messes, repeat above steps if necessary.

Resources

Belt Sander Cleaning

Mill Cleaning (Manual)

Mill Cleaning (CNC)

Lathe Cleaning (Manual)

Lathe Cleaning (CNC)

Drill Press Cleaning

Grinder Cleaning (Surface)

Band Saw Cleaning (Vertical)

Band Saw Cleaning (Horizontal)

Posters

File:Belt Sander Poster.pdf

File:CNC Mill Poster.pdf

File:Drill Press 1 Poster.pdf

File:Grinder Poster.pdf

File:HAAS Lathe Poster.pdf

File:Horrizontal bandsaw poster.pdf

File:Manual Lathe Poster.pdf

File:Mill Poster.pdf

File:Old CNC Mill Poster.pdf

File:Small drillpress poster.pdf

File:Vertical Bandsaw poster.pdf

References