Is it a good idea to lubricate gears? There are several factors to consider here...
First, what are the gears made of? I have been using unlubricated sidewinder aluminum gears designed for drag racing in my scratch-built 1/32nd scale cars. That choice is based on trying to get maximum performance, accepting high cost and short wear life. If I were more interested in low cost and long wear life I would be using a plastic spur gear, and maybe a steel pinion gear.
There are different kinds of plastic gears. The best is probably what is known as a Nylatron gear. That is a gear made of Nylon plastic that is impregnated with a solid lubricant. Nylatron gears are often used in industry where applying a lubricant is not possible. And, depending on the application, Nylatron gears can often outperform and outlast metal gears. But there are few Nylatron gears designed for slotcar use, and fewer still that have a fine tooth pitch and accurate tooth form. -- both qualities I seek for high performance.
The problem with lubricating slotcar gears is keeping the lubricant on the gear teeth. The impacts of gear operation plus the centrifugal forces of rotation can quickly squeeze and sling lubricant away from where it is needed most. And a lubricant that is sticky enough to stay put will absorb mechanical energy, turning horsepower into heat. The gears may last longer, but performance will take a hit.
My theory is that running gears unlubricated maximizes performance, with the understanding that gear life will be short. I accept that I'll need to replace gears frequently and it'll cost me. But theories sometimes fail to reflect reality. I'm interested in hearing some discussion on this topic.
First, what are the gears made of? I have been using unlubricated sidewinder aluminum gears designed for drag racing in my scratch-built 1/32nd scale cars. That choice is based on trying to get maximum performance, accepting high cost and short wear life. If I were more interested in low cost and long wear life I would be using a plastic spur gear, and maybe a steel pinion gear.
There are different kinds of plastic gears. The best is probably what is known as a Nylatron gear. That is a gear made of Nylon plastic that is impregnated with a solid lubricant. Nylatron gears are often used in industry where applying a lubricant is not possible. And, depending on the application, Nylatron gears can often outperform and outlast metal gears. But there are few Nylatron gears designed for slotcar use, and fewer still that have a fine tooth pitch and accurate tooth form. -- both qualities I seek for high performance.
The problem with lubricating slotcar gears is keeping the lubricant on the gear teeth. The impacts of gear operation plus the centrifugal forces of rotation can quickly squeeze and sling lubricant away from where it is needed most. And a lubricant that is sticky enough to stay put will absorb mechanical energy, turning horsepower into heat. The gears may last longer, but performance will take a hit.
My theory is that running gears unlubricated maximizes performance, with the understanding that gear life will be short. I accept that I'll need to replace gears frequently and it'll cost me. But theories sometimes fail to reflect reality. I'm interested in hearing some discussion on this topic.
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