Installation Guide
How to Remove Old Turcite B and Prepare the Way for Relining
Removing worn Turcite B or another bonded slideway liner is a preparation job, not just demolition. The old strip, adhesive residue and damaged metal surface must be cleared without changing the geometry that the new liner will reference. This guide explains how to remove old Turcite B, inspect the exposed way and create a clean base for a TEBAK relining project.
Why removal quality controls the next repair
A new liner follows the condition of the way beneath it. If old adhesive remains in patches, the replacement can sit high in one area and low in another. If removal tools gouge the cast iron or steel, the rebuilder may lose more material than the original repair allowance expected. The objective is therefore a controlled, documented surface, not simply a bare-looking way.
Start with a condition record
Before heating, cutting or scraping, photograph the liner, oil grooves, returns and gib contact. Record the strip direction, wear pattern, remaining thickness where possible and any areas that have lifted. Mark the receiving way and protect adjacent precision surfaces from chips and abrasive dust.
Controlled removal of the old liner
- Expose an accessible edge with a sharp scraper or a narrow cold chisel. Keep the tool angle shallow so it lifts the liner rather than digging into the metal way.
- Work in short sections and follow the bond line. If the strip is strongly attached, moderate, even heat can soften the adhesive; avoid local overheating that could affect seals, nearby paint or the way geometry.
- Lift the material progressively and remove loose pieces before they become wedges under the tool. Do not use impact force as a substitute for finding the bond plane.
- Collect the removed liner and mark any sections that show poor bonding, trapped oil or corrosion. These observations help explain the original failure mode.
Remove adhesive without changing the way
After the liner is out, remove the remaining epoxy with a scraper, controlled abrasive work or the machining operation planned for the rebuild. Concentrate on high spots and feather the edges of residue instead of creating a deep pocket. Solvent can help lift oil and soften surface contamination, but it does not replace mechanical removal of cured adhesive. Keep any cleaning method compatible with the machine material and workshop safety requirements.
| Inspection point | What to look for | Decision before relining |
|---|---|---|
| Way flatness | High spots, hollows or tool marks | Measure and set the machining allowance |
| Metal surface | Galling, pitting, cracks or loose scale | Repair or machine damaged areas before bonding |
| Oil grooves | Blocked channels or altered edges | Restore the planned lubrication path |
| Cleanliness | Oil film, dust or abrasive residue | Degrease and protect until adhesive work |
Check the metal surface before ordering material
Evaluate the exposed way with the same care as the replacement liner. Check straightness and contact across the travel, confirm a uniform bond and identify whether grinding or milling is needed. Measure material removed so the finished liner can restore centre height after curing and machining. Our skived PTFE slideway sheet guide explains why thickness consistency and the etched bonding face matter.
Prepare for a clean bonding window
- Complete machining and deburring before final cleaning.
- Keep the prepared way covered while other workshop work continues.
- Use clean, lint-free materials and avoid touching the bonding surface with bare hands.
- Confirm the liner width and thickness against the measured repair allowance, not against the worn strip alone.
- Stage the Blue TEBAK slideway liner, Green TEBAK slideway liner or another selected colour together with the TEBAK Two-Part Epoxy-Adhesive.
Once the metal is measured, clean and protected, the project can move to bonding. The Turcite B installation guide covers the separate bonding and finish-machining procedure; this guide stops at the prepared-way handoff.
Frequently asked questions
Can old Turcite B be removed without machining the way?
Sometimes. If the metal is flat and adhesive residue can be removed without changing the reference surface, machining may be limited. The final decision should follow a measured inspection, not appearance alone.
Should heat always be used to remove the liner?
No. Heat is a controlled aid when the bond is difficult, not a default step. Protect nearby components and use the lowest practical, evenly distributed heat.
How clean must the way be before bonding?
It must be free from oil, dust, loose particles and adhesive fragments. The final cleaning stage should happen after machining and immediately before the bonding procedure.