New CNC Mill on the horizon

[fvfdrums]

Ok,

so a bit more research, how about the cold air gun approach? I have a decent compressor with plenty CFM output. If the temp is right would the aluminium cut well with a cold air system? this would remove the need for coolant.

The machine will primarily be cutting ally plate I would imagine but it will be used to cut hardwoods as well and I know of the evil wood snot you speak of when mixing wood and coolant as I have had it before on my lathe! its worse than concrete.

[JAZZCNC]

Ok, so a bit more research, how about the cold air gun approach? I have a decent compressor with plenty CFM output. If the temp is right would the aluminium cut well with a cold air system? this would remove the need for coolant.

Never the twain Shall meet IMO but if you must cut wood then I wouldn't use coolant but instead plenty of Air and put up with the Mess and lesser quality finish.
Failing that then think about system that use's coolant that evaporates quickly like ethanol, good but expensive.!

One problem with coolant or should say small amounts of coolant is that it Can shock tooling and cause micro cracks in certain tool materials like Carbide. So it's often considered better to have No cooloing at all or Go large and have full flood cooling.

With Aluminium I find Air alone isn't enough and it needs just a small amount of lube to help with any hard Sticky spots and melting to tool, which happen often in lesser grade Ali like 5 series.
This is why I like the idea of John's system in the Mister thread because it would mean having full control of the squirting but mainly use air for clearing chips. This would work well if your mixing materials.!

One day I will get round to finishing a directional Air & coolant squarting ring around the base of spindle which follows the inverse of Axis movement and squirts air or coolant as required, Bit like Datron system does.! . . . . Just not enough hours in a life time.!!