I managed to order the recommended grease (Mobil EP2) for maintaining my AltMill, but for the life of me, I haven’t yet located a small quantity supplier (500 ml or 1 Ltr) for the recommended Mobil Vactra 2 oil. The closest I’ve come is Amazon.ca ( Mobil 100772 Vactra No.2 Way Oil 1 gal : Amazon.ca: Industrial & Scientific), but I know that volume will be much more than I’ll ever require.
Anyone have a decent lead for this oil?
MartyfromKingsten
I ran into the same issue. IIRC, I did find a source for 1L but at a higher price than the 1 gal size from Amazon. I was actually quite surprised that Vactra #2 wasn’t available at every street corner since it is the most recommended way oil.
I ended up sharing the 1 gal with two friends - and now we all have a lifetime supply 
PS: lots of places sell Vactra #2 by the 45 gallon drum
Maybe contact a local machine shop to see if they will sell you some.
I’ve been thinking of just that. Fingers crossed that one of them will be willing to decant off 500 mls or so from their reserve!
I contacted a machine shop in my area (Ottawa) and they wouldn’t sell to me. It wasn’t Vactra anyways. I did find this EEZ,EEZ WAY OIL 20WT 1 GALLON,1-820-720,KBC Tools & Machinery. SAE 20 is apparently close to ISO 68
I’ll preface this with the fact that I do not and likely never will own an AltMill.
The maintenance instructions state:
“Apply the Mobil Vactra No. 2 oil using a pipette or syringe to the hole until it flows out. Or use Mobil EP 2 grease with a grease gun and the appropriate M4 threaded grease fitting.”
That Mobil grease seems to be available at a reasonable price. Is there some benefit to using the Vactra oil?
I wouldn’t know. I don’t own one either (but will place my order today).
Hey Sienci, since Vactra is nearly impossible to find in small quantities, maybe you can sell it as an accessory. Then again, I realise that oil probably has a whole bunch of requirements/restrictions for selling and shipping that you don’t want to get involved in.
@Chucky_ott I’m jealous. 
The Vactra No 2 oil is the industry standard lubricant for ways. You can’t substitute the grease for it… but I’d imagine you already knew that, didn’t you?
I have gone ahead and ordered the 1 gallon size container from Amazon and will be offering anyone the opportunity to make arrangements with me to buy 8 oz bottles from me for $8.20 each, fob my address in Kingston, ON, Canada K7P 0B1.
Here’s the cost breakdown:
8ozs of the oil = $6.12
Plastic bottle, 8 ozs = $2.08
My cost per 8oz bottle of Vactra #2 oil = $8.20
As you can see, there is zero profit in this for me, I’m only passing back to the community. This offer is available only to Canadian participants (too much hassle shipping cross-border…).
I’ll start another thread to bring attention to this offer as well as letting Sienci Labs know about this offer in the hopes they will pass this information along to others.
All the best,
Marty Schlosser
Ph 343-363-8270
Kingston, ON K7P 0B1
Canada
While I already have my oil, I think it is great that you are offering this to people … kudos!
I might take you up on that offer. Could by a few bottles too for anyone in Ottawa (Orleans) to pick up. Are you arranging shipping too ?
No problem with me dropping off a supply of these bottles of oil with someone (you? in the Ottawa area, as my wife and I often drive up there to visit family and friends.
As regards shipping, it’s something I’d consider, but as you and I both know, shipping lubricants via Canada Post or a courier can be a pricy option. More realistically, I’d like individuals from areas (Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal?) to step forward to act as “distributors”. I’d ship or drop them off at their place, assuming it’s a quick and easy thing to do.
If you or anyone else is willing to act as a distributor, please give me a text or email.
Marty Schlosser
martyschlosser51@gmail.com
Ph/text 343-363-8270
Kingston, ON Canada
K7P 0B1
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Edit: I sent you a direct message, Marty on Kingston availability.
@ApexWoodworks You give me too much credit, Marty. According to the Sienci site, you can use either the oil or Mobil EP2 grease through the fittings. So, I just went with that. As I will likely never own an AltMill, it wasn’t an issue for me. I was merely trying to point in the right direction. I did find a Shell product that, by all accounts that I read, is the operation equivalent of the Vactra. The Shell is equally unavailable in small quantities.
That would work fine for me. We can meet anywhere that’s convenient for you next time you are in Ottawa. Lee Valley for example. We can make our exchange in the parking lot under the cover of darkness. I’ll send you an email. Agree on the shipping aspect. Not worth the trouble. That said, if the oil is not flammable, then I don’t think there are any precaution to take other than in a leak proof container.
Available on Amazon for USA site for $16
I found both in small quantities on ebay. Found a 16oz bottle of vactra 2 for $12USD and i found a seller that puts the EP2 in 10ml syringes with luerlok tips and needles for ~$2USD each. I can dig out links to both if anyone wants them.
This may be helpful to any Americans who are needing vactra 2, so go ahead and provide the links.
Marty - a proud Canadian
When searching for a marker holder this morning, I was redirected to the Carbide 3D site. And at the bottom of the page, I saw a maintenance kit that they sell. Hopefully, Sienci will sell a maintenance kit too in the near future so people don’t need to buy from a competitor!
Shapeoko 5 Pro and HDM Maintenance Kit - Carbide 3D
They apparently ship to Canada but I didn’t see what the shipping fees would be.
