How Often to Lube Carriage Rods? HP700W

[PinkPrintingPixie]

Hey everyone!

While my machine is printing fine, every so often it sounds a bit funny. The normal zwoop zwoop sound it makes when the carriage moves back and forth lowers in pitch for a few rounds before it goes back to normal.

Wondering if that is a sign the rods need to be cleaned/ oiled? Admittedly it's been a hot minute since I have done printer maintenance, but want to know if it may be a bigger issue or just a sticky roller?

I have a HP700W - hopefully this makes sense. How often does everyone do printer maintenance?

 

[MikePro]

lubing also doubles as cleaning. the more friction the more the parts will wear & any chatter is potential for odd results while printing. worst-case, you forget to do it for months, you'll just have to replace the pads that glide on the rail eventually.

never hurts to give a monthly drip & wipe, or every-other week.
its not like you can overdo it, and if you're in a pinch for a cheaper alternative to the OEM lube, i've always just used paper shredder oil as a substitute.

 

[P Wagner]

The 700 printer will alert you with a front panel icon when to lube the carriage rods. It is not a time-based maintenance item, it is based on usage - kind of like changing the oil in your car is based on the miles you have driven. not the date.