Machine Shop: Cutting Fluids, preferences

I want to improve our cutting fluids so we get better tool life and better finishes. Here is a short summary of considerations

Currently the HAAS and the Cold Cut Saw use water soluble flooding coolants, they will be using the same coolant as they use it in bulk and will use the same collection & disposable barrel. So there isn’t an issue with that. Not looking really looking for water soluble coolants as we don’t don’t use flooding coolants on current mill and lathe. The “new” lathe does have coolant flooding capability and we’ll probably use the same coolant as the HAAS and Cold Cut Saw use to standardize the type and disposal of it.

I want to get several different cutting fluids:

  1. For Mill & Lathe
    a. Aluminum
    b. Ferrous

  2. Saws & Drills, will use same as that on Mill and Lathe but may buy a small container to test difference on saws to see if appreciable difference for better cuts and blade life. If there is difference then worth getting specific lubricant.

Been reading up on different types and it is clear that we can get cutting fluids that are made specifically for Aluminum that are non-staining and will reduce cutting forces by up to 70%, which will greatly reduce cutter wear, heat build-up, and non-staining for Aluminum and Brass. See forum for a recommended type. Not cheap but may be worth it, [Relton A-9](http://Relton A-9)

Ferrous materials require a different type of lubricant with different properties than Aluminum, see link above. Will also be getting Way Oil for use specifically for use on the Ways of the Mill and the Lathe, not for cutting.

We don’t do much Titanium cutting so non-chlorinated won’t be a deciding factor. Person’s machining Ti should be using cutters rated for that material as we don’t stock them.

If you have suggestions, provide comments and links.

Thanks

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We also have cold air guns if you could get the chips collected and not shoot away.

For aluminum, mill or lathe, I prefer WD40 for cutting fluid, preferably brushed on from a cup.

For ferrous, I prefer Rapid Tap

http://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tnpla/62001219?cid=ppc-google-Returning+-+Lubricants%2C+Coolants+%26+Fluids+-+PLA_srJs1Lmlg&cid=PLA-Google-PLA+-+Test___164124957246_c_S&mkwid=srJs1Lmlg&cid=PLA-Google-PLA+-+Test|dc&pcrid=164124957246&gclid=Cj0KEQiAtqHEBRCNrdC6rYq9_oYBEiQAejvRl6Zkb_o1_gJYVeqZfTk-jb82TiQGBfxL1cCW2kkLcjkaAtG48P8HAQ

Also, love these no spill cups

Oh, and these are the vise jaw caps I mentioned. May be available cheaper elsewhere, or could possible be cut with the plasma cam from raw aluminum…

http://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/63494231

This looks very doable for the lathe as the chips can be blasted away from the cutter, assuming it is attached near the tool bar. On the mill, may create a more dispersed mess, but then again it wouldn’t be oily - worth researching more. Thanks!

P.S. WD 40 is quite close to the traditional cutting fluid used when we first started machining aluminuim in the 19th century…

What’s our compressor SCFM rated at? The 2,500 BTU unit uses 35 SCFM. Want as much cooling as possible. I like this concept, much cleaner in terms oily floor and part not needing cleaning. Can probably come up with magnetically attached “back-splash” plate that attaches to table or frame to catch/stop chips so they drop straight down.

I think we can make some fairly easy that can snap on and off. Maybe some plastic ones. These look like they have bendable tabs and would fatigue out from constant removal.

They aren’t designed to be removed. They make better jaw faces then the serated jaws that come with the vice. I use them at home and really don’t see a down side to leaving them on all the time…

45 cfm approx is max output we will have a better number once air upgrades comes in.

The air coolers have been purchased and should be around the shop to test with.

If they are all MIA there is one near the cnc router

Can we please not stock tap magic?

ok, I’ll bite. Why not ?

I’m using Tap Magic Aluminum for the work I’m doing on a 3D printer frame. Works exceedingly well.

What’s the objection ?

The primary objection is that specific formulation had caused considerable corrosion in the containers we have used for it. Not sure if Tap Magic Aluminium has the same issue since it is a different formulation.

I’ll second WD-40 for aluminum. I’ve seen it produce better surface finish at the space than we really have any right to expect.

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Okay, I’ll get some gallon cans of WD40 which happen to be cheaper the some of the others. That takes care Aluminum.

Steel?

I like the Rapid Tap I referenced above for steel. It isn’t as stinky as the typical sulfer based cutting fluids…

Is there any local place to buy way oil in containers smaller than a gallon?

A gallon would be far more than a lifetime supply for me.

No local place I am aware of.

Thanks,

I ordered this: