Shopsmith Forums

The general wisdom on this forum seems to be to oil the sheaves with a light (#10) machine oil. I found this in the Maintenance and Troubleshooting section:

... Lubricate the floating sheaves (pulleys) with a good 10w30 non-detergent motor oil....

I have been using the 10w30 motor oil and am wondering if that is equivalent to #10 machine oil (doesn't seem to be). Should I switch to the #10 or should I continue using the motor oil?

I think some idi aaaa uninformed individual who never heard of #10 machine oil took the liberty of mentioning something that said "10" oil instead. The viscosity of 10w30 will be 10 only at elevated temperature and contains additives which will do no good in this application.

So, given that, is it ok/recommended to switch to the #10 machine oil or is it best that I stick with what I have been using?

Go with #10 machine oil(3 in 1, turbine, zoom spout. . .). It will be a little 'runnier' than 10w30 at room temp.

Regardless ANY oil is better than NONE!