Verifying oil flow to all 10 oil points on the 8L lathe

What is the best way to verify that oil is flowing to all the 10 oil points? I can see oil dripping off the z ball nut. The 4 X sliding surfaces seem to have an oil film. I can’t see the x ball nut and the z ways seem dry. Especially the front. But, they have those wiper pads. My lathe is basically new and I was double checking before significant use. On inspection, I found that several of the oil connections were very loose. Is there a best method to check the oil flow to all 10 points?

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@Thomas_Petersen

The easiest way to check the lubrication system on the 8L is to do what you did, just check the ball screw/nut and slides for oil residue. If you were to experience any problems with the Z or X axis squeaking or locking up during rapid moves, I would recommend cycling the pump a few times and watching for oil drips from the orifices.

Based on your description however, it sounds like your machine is good to go. If you had a clogged line and weren’t getting any oil to a particular spot, your machine would be making a lot of angry machine noises at you.

Thanks for following up! While verifying the oil flow, I noticed that oil was just pouring out a 6mm threaded hole on the head stock side of the x-axis slide (crossfeed). The hole is connected to the internal oil channel coming from the back of the x-slide. Should this hole have a M6 plug in it or is it intentionally left open? See picture below.

Thomas,

Yes, there should be a set screw in that hole, it’s a cross hole that goes to the X axis ballnut.

Thank you,
Norman