Occasionally go over every part of machine and see that all taper pins, bolts, nuts, etc., are snug in place.
A locked cupboard or box at the cutting machine is useful to keep the full set of wrenches provided, clean waste, colored crayons, a good magnifying glass, powdered pumice stone, French chalk, talcum powder, boracic acid, special cutting pads, and boards for making them, size strips, dimension records, etc. The oil can should stand always filled and ready on its bracket.
If a belt is put on too tight, it may pull so hard on the bearings as to heat and cause them to cut. It is easier not to put the belt on too tight at first and to relace it several times while it is stretching, than it is to repair a rough bearing.
Keep clean waste in a box. Destroy dirty, oily waste instantly after use, or place it carefully inside a fireproof oily waste can if provided. Do not put dirty, oily waste away or leave it around. It is most dangerous and many plants have been burned by its spontaneous combustion.
Have a definite fixed time to oil, and to clean the machine. Mark the hours when to oil every day, and the day and hour when to clean and polish the machine every week, on the maker's direction sheet attached to the machine.
Oil with intelligence, not just with an oil can and oil. Oil freely, but not sloppily. Oil should not drip upon the floor. Oil should not flow over parts not requiring it. An excess of oil on a brake band will prevent its acting and stopping the machine promptly. Wipe out the excess oil in this case by passing a rag under and around the bands. Oil that runs or drops or is wiped off is wasted.
Oil the parts above the table carefully and thoroughly. A few drops of oil on the palm of the hand and applied to the four front and back faces of the knife-bar prevents dripping on the table from the oil can. Run the machine through a few strokes after oiling and then wipe off clean with a cloth or piece of waste the surfaces against which the stock to be cut is placed.
When oiling, remember it is only the oil that reaches the bearing that does any good. Any surplus that runs over and defaces the machine is waste.
The best kind of oil to use is a free-running, light-colored petroleum machine oil. Cheap oils cost more in the end.