Cleaning old press

Just acquired 12 x 18 Kluge and 9 x 13 Gordon. Very dirty. Any reason not to use steam power washer to clean?

Log in to reply   2 replies so far

It isnt unusual for pressurized steam to be used for cleaning a press but you have to get all the water out of the machine after. I have seen modern machinery wrecked because the machine wasnt dried and re lubed properly after such treatment ..

I’d suggest getting a good oil can and filling it with 90-wt gear lube. Oil all the oil ports and other moving parts and work the press several cycles to work the oil into the joints. Then pressure wash the press and at least some of the thick oil will remain in the bearings. You can then add thinner oil to reduce the viscosity. That should prevent water penetrating the bearings and rusting the metal.

Bob