[dlavery]

It depends on what is really on the machine. Is it really grease, or is it cosmoline still in place from the original packing? If the lathe is really old and some of the original packing material is still in place, it may actually be rendered pig fat (is there a faint odor of bacon? no, I am not kidding).

If it is cosmolene, try a good citrus-based degreaser (Wurth Citrus is one that I have used successfully). Spray it on and let it sit on the surface for a few minutes (up to 20 based on the age of the material and how "caked on" it may be). Then scrub off the softened material with lots of paper towels or rags. Then make a second pass with the same procedure. Some people have suggested using very fine steel wool, but I try my best to avoid this if possible, unless you also need to remove a surface leyer of rust, as the steel fibers have a nasty habit to finding their way in between the ways and way bearings.

If it really is grease, the best thing that I have found is kerosene on a rag applied liberally with elbow grease. Do the work in a very well ventilated area. When you are done, be VERY careful about how you dispose of the rags. Make sure they are placed in a fireproof metal container, as spontaneous combustion is a very real possibility with kerosene-soaked rags. Citrus degreasers are a suitable second choice, although I have found that kerosene works better.

-dave