April,
I can’t say that I’m any kind of an expert on tool and machine
lubrication.
However, during the 24 years I taught classes at UCSD, I developed a
good working relationship with the Bonner Hall Biology Research
Machine Shop. There are a friendly if quirky but hugely talented
machinists and specialty welders who work there. Some of their
machinists took classes from me over the years, so we do favors for
each other.
One of the machinists did most of my machined prototypes and also
regrinds and polishes my rolling mill rollers. One day he told me NOT
to use WD 40 on machine parts, long term. He claimed that WD 40 had a
somewhat corrosive effect on steel parts over time, was what he told
me. Anyway, I’ve stayed away from WD 40 ever since, using a high tech
spray lube instead.
I saw this wacky orange can of spray lube I am trying now, I think
called “Jiga-Lu” or something close to that. It was cheap, and seems
to work great. I love the orange can.
You might want to contact the Durstons about your "orange peel"
rollers. Mathew Durston’s father runs a Durston repair and service
center near Phoenix. They will be able to help you with your mill. Or,
check out machinists around you. See if they can regrind your
rollers reasonably. If they’ll do it, let them know you want an
extremely smooth surface polish. I think I’ve paid from $150 to $200
to have a mill resurfaced.
If possible, let the people regrinding the rollers disassemble and
reassemble ( and adjust) your mill. Many machinists prefer it that
way. Way easier for you!
I’d also REALLY suggest you cover your mill when it’s not in use.
Can you guess what kinds of stuff are blowing through your studio,
sticking to your nice oiled rollers??? A pillowcase is a perfect size
and works great. Mine are black so they don’t show oil stains.
Good luck!
Jay Whaley