I have an Elite Foreman and can’t believe the difficulty in adding oil to the X rail that requires removing the Z rail to access the port. This just seems like a design flaw that could easily be fixed. To remedy the issue, I purchased some elbows and cap screws. The elbows screw into the oil port and are small enough to not interfere with the Z rail. The Cap screws cover the port and are easily removed to add oil. This allows lubricating the machine without having to remove the Z rail and was very inexpensive.
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Do you have a link you can send to buy?
To be honest, I didn’t do an exhaustive search since I was just trying to see if this would work - and it does. The cap screws were a little long so I cut them to length and chased the threads but that isn’t necessary, It was my personal preference. The elbow is an M6x1 male to M8x1 female. I wanted M6x1 fittings on both sides but was unable to find that so settled on this. I’m sure you can find these on Amazon but I got these on AliExpress because I could buy smaller quantities.
Elbow: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802804208836.html?
Cap Screw: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803973360295.html?
M8x1 Die: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806173154283.html?
I also printed TPU O-rings of various heights so that the elbow would be snug in the direction that I wanted it to face. Most any O-ring should work or may not be needed at all.
Good Luck!
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Great idea!
I think these fittings from Amazon are the same thing:
A pack of 5 on Amazon is around $10.
Search for: uxcell Brass Pipe Fitting 90 Degree Barstock Street Elbow M6/Male To M8/Female Pipe 5pcs
I ordered them today.
Thanks,
Mike
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And then an M8 cap screw I assume? Do we know what length?
It requires M8 x 1 cap screws… those are not the customary thread pitch for M8 cap screws. It’s a pipe-thread pitch.
So I ordered some of these from Amazon. I’m pretty sure they’ll work fine.
uxcell Stainless Steel Inner Hex Head M8x1 Pipe Fitting Plug with Seal Ring for Terminate Pipe Ends 2Pcs
Mike
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Dude, how is it you are the only person to point this out?
I don’t even have my machine just yet (originally estimated to ship today, actually) but I have trolled for every bit of info I can find on setting it up, dialing it in, and maintaining it. Never even a mention of this in anything I’ve seen.
Your solution is so simple its genius. I will get the parts ahead of time and install it as I assemble my machine to save me the butthurt of having to take it apart later.
Hats off to you, sir!
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I did something similar but with push connect fittings and tubing connected to a manual oiler.
I use it as needed, usually when running my cnc/spindle warmup routine.
Some details are in one of my machine build updates…
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I received my parts from Amazon an did the installation today.
The plug is a little too long which causes it to bottom out in the hole before the O ring touches. I really don’t think it’s going to be an issue. I’ll keep an eye on it and if it weeps oil, I’ll pack a few plastic washers between the O ring and the head of the screw.
Here’s a pic with the plug as deep as possible:
I added some teflon tape to the threads:
And installed it at a 45 degree angle:
Pic of job complete:
Thanks again O.P.
Mike
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If you have a 3d printer, you can print a new gasket out of TPU much thicker.
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I’m adding this when I do my next service. OUTSTANDING, and thank you for sharing!
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I bought some of these also. looks like a good idea. As I have a metal cutting lathe I can cut down a screw to fit perfectly. I may do a bunch. and share.
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Robert I would be happy to pay you for your trouble, please keep me in mind when you are ready! Thank you-Mick
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That was my first thought also. Shorten that baby up real quick.
Alternately, I have a roll of TPU thats not being used for anything. If someone wants to send me dimensions I can print seals for anyone who wants them.
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if i didnt have a lathe or a 3d printer, you also have a mini mill sitting right there. shave that puppy off with an endmill. either or. however ya wanta do it.
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OMG. This is the obvious answer. Use the tool you already have.
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Just rethinking the whole idea… how about vented screws?
If those screws worked, it would be just a matter of 3d design a TPU printed plugs to cover the screw. Easy peasy.
Anyone who actually done this project could confirm fitment of those screws? length also?
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I may try to do this when my rotary comes in in the next week or two. Good time to do some maintenance anyway. I will also see if I can make some TPU printed caps/screws for that matter. It is not like they need to be more than hand tight anyway… It is just a plug to keep oil in and dust out…
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I ordered the same ones above and the bolt is very tight, plus it’s tilted up so not gonna spill and nothing can get in
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what’s the length you ordered?