Resources
Spare List
A spare list format for South African machine shops, covering consumables, service items, and commonly replaced parts.
How Spare List helps keep older machines running
The Spare List page gives a practical format for tracking parts kept with a machine or ordered for service work. It can include consumables, belts, bearings, lubricants, service items, and other parts commonly replaced in workshop use.
List the machine model first, then record the wear parts that stop work when they are not on hand. On older lathes and boring machines, that usually means belts, bearings, seals, lubricants, fuses and switches. Conditions in Johannesburg workshops also matter, because dust, heat and irregular power can shorten service intervals and expose weak electrical items.
Begin the spare list while standing at the machine, not later from memory. A few clear photos of the nameplate, drive area, lubrication points and any damaged part make the record far more useful. That helps when a valve grinding machine has missing guards, a lathe has non-standard belts, or a previous repair used mixed components.
Parts to record per machine
A good spare list for workshop use should show what is fitted, what is worn, and what should be kept in stock. Include bearing numbers, belt sizes, oil grades, filter references and any electrical ratings visible on contactors or motors. If a part is no longer present, note that clearly so the next inspection does not treat it as an ordering error.
Use the spare list together with machine photos, maintenance dates and notes on parts that have failed more than once. Mark which items are held in the workshop and which still need to be sourced, especially for imported or discontinued equipment. Mention the machine make and the work you plan to run when asking about lathes, boring or valve grinding equipment.
- Bearing numbers checked off the housing
- Belt sizes noted from fitted drives
- Consumables separated from hard parts
Workshop conditions that change stock
A machine in Crown Mines may need a different spares holding pattern from one near the coast. Humidity affects rust protection and stored electrical items, while dust makes wipers, way oil and filters more important to track. Transport timing also matters when a workshop relies on one older machine for repeat jobs.
Power cuts can expose weak relays, overloads and control gear that might otherwise be left off the list. On manually operated machines, simple service items often cause the longest stoppages because they are small, easy to overlook and not kept with the machine. Keep quantities realistic so the list reflects workshop use instead of a catalogue wish list.
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Notes worth adding now
Use the spare list with machine photos, supply timing, and parts already failed or missing. Keep the subject line specific.
Record the machine make, model, serial number and any changes from standard specification while the details are in front of you. It also helps to note where each spare fits, such as headstock, apron, pump, chuck, motor or coolant system. That way the list remains useful when the machine is sold, serviced or moved within the workshop.