03-08-2015, 09:15 AM
I haven't run coolant on my mill ever, and have no immediate plans to do so. I have a CoolMist lube unit and an air compressor, and the only job I ever had that had me on the verge of using it was the flycutting of wide aluminum plates. I ended up using a light coating of WD40 instead and just wiping it all up when done. Only when drilling or tapping do I use fluids, and both the cutting oil on drills and the tapping paste on taps would contaminate a coolant sump. I get away with it on the lathe because I can take the 8 screws off the cover and reach in with a hydrophyllic pad to skim the tramp oils off the coolant sump.
I think if I suddenly had to mill a lot of stainless steel a coolant system would be warranted. Until then, I like being able to vacuum up the relatively dry chips and be done.
The task I see which causes me the most consternation is that of the quill feed mechanism and settings. It's such a complicated little thing with so many little bits that all affect each other. If you miss a proper spacing, spring pressure or tension setting, it can all go pear shaped in a hurry. I do not envy you this task and wish you much success.
I think if I suddenly had to mill a lot of stainless steel a coolant system would be warranted. Until then, I like being able to vacuum up the relatively dry chips and be done.
The task I see which causes me the most consternation is that of the quill feed mechanism and settings. It's such a complicated little thing with so many little bits that all affect each other. If you miss a proper spacing, spring pressure or tension setting, it can all go pear shaped in a hurry. I do not envy you this task and wish you much success.