That's an awesome buy! I picked up a kitchen aid heavy duty mixer for free because an acquaintance was going to throw it away because the motor turned on, but mixer wouldn't move.  2 hours of work, $30 for a new gear and it was brand new again.  It pays to know how to love on a machine;)

I would use something fancier, but I never seem to be able to remember to buy things like that.  But I always remember food supplies.

Kind of like when I suggest to Noobs to use Saran Wrap for a temp enclosure.... It's in the drawer next to the stove

I would use something fancier, but I never seem to be able to remember to buy things like that.  But I always remember food supplies.

My CNC router, mill, lathe all work so much better with regular maintenance like that.

I've noticed some like to add copious amounts of grease/lube when they use it thinking the more the merrier.  Unfortunately, and especially with grease, low torque, high precision applications (solidoodle definitely being low torque relatively speaking) grease can cause some serious issues.  But of course the Z axis is not low torque since it's less about speed and more about precise movement, hence I am all about the z-axis being all greased up, and does seem to help with noise.  Anyway my point was that in most lubing applications I tend to be as light as possible, too much low viscosity oil based lubes are a dust trap that is not terribly desirable. 

So lubing the x and y carriage rods just really decreases friction, and helps put less strain, on motors and components.  Like a car it's just going to help extend the lifespan of your system. I admit it may just be the overly meticulous/cautious side of me.  But there is something about an ultra silky smooth no wiggle x and y axis that make me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside, even if it's not required. But I think even if there is no wear benefit I think it would help reduce jerkyness when the axises change direction during a print.

I am almost certain a good bike lube would be as good if not better than canola, and not go rancid .

I use a wet non-stick longboard bearing lube for most parts on SD, just because I have it, and lithium grease for the z-axis because I want to make sure it stays and hope it might minutely decrease sound.

The most important thing for lube on these machines is probably because the rods will rust if they don't have it .

I don't understand the need for more lubrication - I have 750 hours on my SD without adding lubrication?

+1
Lubrication seems more necessary for those that don't have things properly calibrated and moving smoothly.

Anyhow I was regreasing my SD3 XY carriage rods today, and it made them even smoother then my standard grease I use.

I'd suggest canola oil is the superior lubricant for the carriage rods compared to lithium or other plastic safe greases.  I still wouldn't use it on my 5/16 threaded Z rod.  don't really want to have oil dripping into my stepper... although probably wouldn't hurt a darn thing.  But still...

Anyhow just wanted to share the find, here is an article about using it as an alternative for expensive paper shredder oil (didn't know there was such a thing as paper shredder oil, turns out it's just re-bottled canola oil). A wonderful oil we cook, and can apparently grease our toys with. 

http://lifehacker.com/5875771/oil-your- … -top-shape