Mist cooing systems

Mark_1984 · 2025-01-14T16:01:43-0500

I've just seen Stuart's latest video where is shows a KoolMist cooling system.
This seems like a good idea, better than my current practice of spraying WD40 or WD40 cutting cutting fluid from a can.

Does anybody have any experience with these and can offer any advice before I splash out? KoolMist don't seem to be easily available in the, but Chinese imitations are quite cheap. Are the cheap copies any good?

Thanks in advance.

michael-au · 2025-01-14T18:07:20-0500

I used water filter canisters and modified them
The Coolant nozzles I got from Aliexpress
There are two separate systems one for the lathe and on for the mill, there is a 12 volt solenoid in the air lines connected to a switch to turn them on or off
They only require about 5 to 7 pound pressure in the canister

ShopShoe · 2025-01-15T08:28:25-0500

Tom Lipton (Oxtoolco) posted a video to YouTube a while back on a system he built with a 2-litre bottle. He provides a good description of his system:

The mister portion of the video starts around 09:21.

He also references a similar project by James Kilroy, which I have not watched.

--ShopShoe

awake · 2025-01-15T10:56:50-0500

Technically, I think a mist system is the one that produces a fog of mist, with attendant concerns for respiration. What is described in the last video above is a Minimum Quantity Lubrication system (MQL). Here is what I worked up for an MQL a couple of years ago: https://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/threads/mql-system-compare-to-fog-buster.34016/

I have to confess that I have not used it very much since, in part because it needs better valves - I used some very cheap-o valves that do not allow very precise control. It is in the long list of "one of these days ..."

clockworkcheval · 2025-01-15T11:09:30-0500

For a time I considered cooling with an oil-mist system. But I was warned about serious related health problems. The oil-mist doesn't only attack the respiratory system, but most oils also contain additives that are quite unhealthy and easily attack the body functions through the lungs.

Brufsupbane · 2025-01-15T11:21:42-0500

I have used a Kool-Mist and it indeed did fog up the shop. I sprung for a commercial MQL system Fogbuster (not cheap) and have been quite pleased. I use a product known as "vanishing oil" (available at Mcmaster) with a shot of Marvel Mystery oil in it. Works great and leaves no residue.