Coolant to the bit

[Dmerrll]

Hey! What do you guys use for flood cooling to the tool bit when milling? I mean, how do you get it there. Right now I am using an old silent Giant Aquarium pump in a bucket with a screen and return lines from the table. There seems to be many high priced systems in the catalogs. Which one? 50% aluminum, 50% Crs and drill rod. Bridgeport Clone. Thanks

[C. Tate]

You already have the same thing you can buy out of any catalog. I would save the money and use on some tools or fixtures. If the bucket looks bad, paint it.

[Thrud]

Little Giant makes proper coolant and solvent pumps and some are better than others.

I prefer synthetic water diluted fluids such as Valenite Valcool (transparent cool blue colour). The stock and machine have less tendency to rust and it is easier to clean up. Extended use might require a tramp oil skimmer in your sump to keep it from going rancid.

Or a Venturi tube (or vortex tube) that runs off of shop air will cool the tool and work while allowing dry machining. A HD shop vac set up to remove chips is a good combination with the venturi tube and has the added benefit of minimal clean ups. Proper eye protection is required for air cooling!

Dave

[BrianH]

There is a good "vortex tube" system made by Micro Drop, but it's about $450!

The best thing you can do to make your current system better is to consider some LOC-Line fittings...you can start with a basic female hose fitting, and the rest is up to your imagination.

I started with the Micro Drop systems that we had on our older machines, then I got a new mill with flood instead, and I prefer it.
Lot better chip flushing, doesn't require air, and I think a little more consistent cooling with water-based sauces.

My favorite coolant is Blaser Swiss-Lube. I also like Syntilo....I don't remember who makes it.

(Like C. said; if you look in most commerical units, you'll probably find an aquarium pump!)

[Dmerrll]

Thanks, I guess my make do situation is about the same as the rest. Dave

[jkilroy]

Question, what is required as far as flow in gpm for a flood system, say for a 13" to 14" lathe or bridgeport style mill?

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James Kilroy

[bdarin]

James....I use just enough to carry away the chips but not so much that it spalshes all over my face and everything else. Flood cooling is efficient and cheap, but messy.

[Thrud]

I would also add to Bdarin's comments,

If you use inserts, makes sure you either machine it dry, or provide ample coolant so the insert is constantly flooded - half-assed cooling will crack the insert.

[jkilroy]

So I take it this 25 gpm surplus fish tank pump I picked up for free might be a bit of overkill? I could imagine what would happen if I aimed it at, say a 2000 rpm 1" 6 flute, I would probably need diving gear!

Maybe I can put a dimmer switch on it to tone it down a bit.

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James Kilroy

[Thrud]

How about a "Valve," those work if the pump is not positive displacement type.

[willjordan]

and if the pump is positive displacement, a bypass valve will work.

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grace & peace
will

[jkilroy]

It is a vane pump so I think a valve would work fine, thanks.

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James Kilroy