Coolant system ?

[V 45]

I was cuttin some mild steel the other night and was using cutting fluid as a lube (just painted on with acid brush). Stinks and still gets hots chips everywhere. Do any of you use a coolant system ? If so...what did you do to catch all the fluid in and what fluids/ system do you use ? I have my machine (7x16 mini lathe) in the basement on a maple wood table. Really don't want fluids all over the floor or table. Any othe suggestions appreciated !!
Thanx again,
V45

 

[doc1955]

On my machines that don't have coolant I use a squirt bottle but yes you would end up with coolant on the floor or table. As far as coolant itself I use TRIM coolant I like it as it doesn't seem to get rancid as ffast as others I've tried.

 

[MachineTom]

I have coolant on only one machine which is the Big drill grinder, I used synthenic coolant but after 6 months it got stinky, I added a air bubbler system, and all is great. My lathe is all set for coolant but I mostly use carbide cutters dry, when drill or threading the greatest stuff is made by CRC in a blue aerosol can "Threading and Cutting Oil" item 14050, with the long nozzle it can shoot where needed and in very small amounts, it sticks to vertical surfaces, and it foams up, the best I've found.

You need a machine and a area set up for coolant, because it goes everywhere when in use.

 

[Blogwitch]

If you have a decent compressor, you could use a spraymist system.

If they are correctly set up, basically any loose coolant is minute, and can be wiped up with a small cloth at the end of machining.

I made my own a while back, and it proved to be very economical and clean to use.
I had a few private problems since, and never got around to making one for each of my machines, but eventually, I will do.

http://madmodder.net/index.php?topic=2265.0


John

 

[Tin Falcon]

coolant is one of those things used industrial shops to increase production and tool life.
You will need a large tray like a commercial baking pan a resivior and a circulating pump.
like others have said it can get messy and smelly. oil skimmers and bublers will reduce things growing and therefor the smell. several shop I worked in would just mix a soda bottle at a time squirt on as needed and not bother with the system.
Little machine shop also sells mist system if you want to that direction and not make your own.
Tin

 

[don-tucker]

I use a pond fountain pump in a plastic container,works well,when I need to use it which is not very often.
Don

 

[V 45]

Thank you for your ideas !! I talked with a buddy of mine and he will mix up some for me as needed in a gallon container and I'll use a mist bottle for now.