lubricating rack and pinion or not?

[Tristar500]

I recently rebuilt a salvaged CandCNC table with rack and pinion drive. Build my own controller based on Mach 3 with ESS and THC-2 from CNC4PC.

What do you all think about running some sort of lubrication on the gear rack for a system like this and if using lube, what do you recommend?

Thanks all!!

[acourtjester]

I have a rack on one of my axis and do run some lube on the rack, not a lot just enough for smooth operations. Watch for dusk built up, not much does happen as the rack is high away from the action.

[bLouChipBlacksmith]

I run this, it makes a huge difference. Almost total elimination of gear mesh noise.

Screenshot 2023-12-02 221117.png

[weldguy]

Dry lube for sure or metallic dust will build up on the rack and it will counterproductive.

[tinspark]

ditto on the dry lube. i use dry lube on my system

[N2 Welding]

I run this, it makes a huge difference. Almost total elimination of gear mesh noise.

Screenshot 2023-12-02 221117.png

Is this a WD-40 stuff considered a dry lube?

Dry lube for sure or metallic dust will build up on the rack and it will counterproductive.

ditto on the dry lube. i use dry lube on my system

Are y’all talking about stuff more like a graphite lube that is painted on and dries in the air. We used that on the deck tubes that slide up/down in/out for car haulers. Ironically the stuff was called slide or something like that.

EDIT:

Stuff was called EZ Slide. I see another brand called Slip.

EC462523-2D34-4A64-A813-4EB7077DF291.png

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[tinspark]

Regular WD-40 is not a dry lube, but they do make a dry lube (see below) This is the stuff that a lot of guys use around here. a spray can is easy to use and should last a while. I really only use the dry lube for my CNC machine for the gear rack and exposed bearings on my CNC machine etc. But keep a gallon of regular WD-40 around to lube all sorts of stuff around the shop and home.. Dry is harder to find, so I always just order online..
Here is an Amazon link . $8

[Tristar500]

I ordered the WD dry.

Thanks all!!

[N2 Welding]

Ok thanks guys. That PTFE is what scares me :/