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
***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
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Chips under back part of vise
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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.
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Rust on underside of vise
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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.
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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.
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Hidden mess under the manual lathe tails
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When cleaning the manual lathe it is important to move its components to get to messes that are hidden by them.
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Machine Specific Cleaning Procedures
Manual Mill Cleaning
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Clean tools
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Clean all tools and place back into proper locations.
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Hand Broom
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From top to bottom, use the hand broom to brush all large shavings off machine onto the floor
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Wipe Down
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Use rag to soak up oil and coolant
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Sweep
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Sweep up shavings off of floor
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Vacuum
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Vacuum all remaining shavings (on and off the machine)
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Mop
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If oil or coolant is spilled on the floor mop around machine.
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Scan
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Scan 360 degrees around the machines, moving parts to see hidden messes, repeat above steps if necessary.
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CNC Mill Cleaning
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Clean Tools
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Clean all tools and place back into proper locations (Including bottom of vice and fourth axis)
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Hand Broom
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From top to bottom, use the hand broom to brush all large shavings off machine onto the floor
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Wipe Down
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Use rag to soak up oil and coolant
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Sweep
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Sweep up shavings off of floor
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Vacuum
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Vacuum all remaining shavings (on and off the machine)
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Mop
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If oil or coolant is spilled on the floor mop around machine.
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Scan
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Scan 360 degrees around the machines, moving parts to see hidden messes, repeat above steps if necessary.
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Manual Lathe Cleaning
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Clean Tools
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Clean all tools and place back into proper locations.
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Hand Broom
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From top to bottom, use the hand broom to brush all large shavings off machine onto the floor
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Wipe Down
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Use rag to soak up oil and coolant
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Sweep
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Sweep up shavings off of floor
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☐ |
Vacuum
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Vacuum all remaining shavings (on and off the machine)
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Mop
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If oil or coolant is spilled on the floor mop around machine.
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Scan
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Scan 360 degrees around the machines, moving parts to see hidden messes, repeat above steps if necessary.
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Surface Grinder Cleaning
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Clean Tools
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Clean all tools and place back into proper locations.
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Hand Broom
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From top to bottom, use the hand broom to brush all large shavings off machine onto the floor
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Squeegee
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Use squeegee inside machine to push coolant down drain
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Sweep
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Sweep up shavings off of floor
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Vacuum
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Vacuum all remaining shavings (on and off the machine)
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☐ |
Mop
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If oil or coolant is spilled on the floor mop around machine.
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Scan
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Scan 360 degrees around the machines, moving parts to see hidden messes, repeat above steps if necessary.
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Drill Press Cleaning
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☐ |
Clean Tools
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Clean all tools and place back into proper locations.
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☐ |
Hand Broom
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From top to bottom, use the hand broom to brush all large shavings off machine onto the floor
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☐ |
Wipe Down
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Use rag to soak up oil and coolant
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☐ |
Sweep
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Sweep up shavings off of floor
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☐ |
Vacuum
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Vacuum all remaining shavings (on and off the machine)
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☐ |
Mop
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If oil or coolant is spilled on the floor mop around machine.
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Scan
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Scan 360 degrees around the machines, moving parts to see hidden messes, repeat above steps if necessary.
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Belt Sander Cleaning
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Hand Broom
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Sweep up shavings off of floor
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Vacuum
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Vacuum all remaining shavings (on and off the machine)
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Scan
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Scan 360 degrees around the machines, moving parts to see hidden messes, repeat above steps if necessary.
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CNC Lathe Cleaning
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☐ |
Clean Tools
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Clean all tools and place back into proper locations.
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☐ |
Hand Broom
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From top to bottom, use the hand broom to brush all large shavings off machine onto the floor
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☐ |
Wipe Down
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Use rag to soak up oil and coolant
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Sweep
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Sweep up shavings off of floor (Including backside of machine)
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Vacuum
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Vacuum all remaining shavings (on and off the machine)
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Mop
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If oil or coolant is spilled on the floor mop around machine
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Scan
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Scan 360 degrees around the machines, moving parts to see hidden messes, repeat above steps if necessary.
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Dispose
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Dispose of refuse inside of bin
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Vertical Band Saw Cleaning
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Clean Tools
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Clean all tools and place back into proper locations.
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☐ |
Hand Broom
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From top to bottom, use the hand broom to brush all large shavings off machine onto the floor
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☐ |
Wipe Down
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Use rag to soak up oil and coolant
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☐ |
Sweep
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Sweep up shavings off of floor
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☐ |
Vacuum
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Vacuum all remaining shavings (on and off the machine)
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☐ |
Mop
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If oil or coolant is spilled on the floor mop around machine.
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☐ |
Scan
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Scan 360 degrees around the machines, moving parts to see hidden messes, repeat above steps if necessary.
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Horizontal Band Saw Cleaning
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Hand Broom
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From top to bottom, use the hand broom to brush all large shavings off machine onto the floor
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Wipe Down/Pre Vacuum
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Use rag or wet/dry vacuum to soak up coolant (Do not use vacuum for sucking up oil)
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Sweep
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Sweep up shavings off of floor
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☐ |
Vacuum
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Vacuum all remaining shavings (on and off the machine)
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☐ |
Protect
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Lightly coat metal parts with WD40 to protect from rusting
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Mop
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If oil or coolant is spilled on the floor mop around machine.
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☐ |
Scan
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Scan 360 degrees around the machines, moving parts to see hidden messes, repeat above steps if necessary.
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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