Thor, or should that be Zeus?

[Davek0974]

From what I've been reading on coolant, the 'FogBuster' style of air blast and minimal coolant/lubricant is the way forward. Seems to work well on the youtube videos, very easy to make as well.

I'm collecting the parts for one only mini-mill.

[Robin Hewitt]

From what I've been reading on coolant, the 'FogBuster' style of air blast and minimal coolant/lubricant is the way forward.

Some things are popular because when the machine is finished desperate work rounds are required for all the things that were never thought of, put of for another day or simply forgotten in the excitement of near completion.
This may or may not be one of those things.
I always want a good flow of suds. I like a variable speed pump so I can adjust the flow. You can filter most of the guck out but some will get through making flow control with a tap tricky.
Suds requires side curtains to catch the spray and two nozzles are better than one because clamps, fittings and stuff can so easily get in the way. I return suds to the tank using Koi carp filtration bags. A good long nozzle on the air duster keeps the pipework clear.

[John S]

From what I've been reading on coolant, the 'FogBuster' style of air blast and minimal coolant/lubricant is the way forward. Seems to work well on the youtube videos, very easy to make as well.

Only if you want to breath that shit in all day

[Davek0974]

Only if you want to breath that shit in all day

That was my main concern as well, but the fog buster style units are more of a air-blast with a splattering of fluid - no mist or fog (hence the name) looking at them work they do seem to function well, at least on aluminium which is my main target.

I was going for flood (love the smell of suds) but it gets messy, you have, grows germs if not maintained, and i'm still not convinced a mini-mill needs that much when so many seem very happy with air-blast and the odd drip of lube.

I think my build will cater for all options so i'm still open to changes.

[Robin Hewitt]

There are also people standing over their machines with a can of WD40 who swear it is the greatest thing since sliced bread

[Davek0974]

Yes, one of them is me :)

I've used three cans so far making the parts on my bridgeport, works perfectly and easy to apply on manual mill.

I have also seen systems filled WD or paraffin on aluminium.

[JAZZCNC]

There are also people standing over their machines with a can of WD40 who swear it is the greatest thing since sliced bread

Why would you laugh at something that works perfectly well and with minimal mess.?

Same goes for Odourless mist there's a Clue in the Name "Odour LESS" true while not exactly odour less it certainly isn't unpleasant and gives perfect results with hardly any mess. Unlike conventional Mist system which I think John is refering which choke you to death.

Flood is only any good if it's got plenty of flow and can wash away the chips which isn't easy in deep narrow slots without high rate of flood. Then it gets messy quickly.!!

[Davek0974]

Exactly, even with manual WD squirt, it only needs applying every few inches or more, just enough to keep the cutter flutes wet i guess.

Whats the best thing to put in a mistless system though??

[Robin Hewitt]

Just for fun, here's the safety data sheet
http://www.wd40.co.uk/Files/WD40%20M...07-2015_EN.pdf
Curiously drying out of the HT circuits when your car won't start is no longer one of it's uses.