Cutting Fluids + Lubes

[TOM REED]

I really like the post about using 50/50 auto trans fluid/acetone for penetrating oil. I also like lard +turpentine for taping as well as beeswax (alittle heat on a stuck bolt/stud and you can't believe how it pulls in beeswax). What are some of your special non commercial fluids that you use in your home shop, also add such things as borax for flux for silver solder etc? tom

[Highpower]

I've used paraffin (candle wax) before on stubborn threads.
Borax makes a good flux for lead alloy melts as well. Sprinkle a layer on top of the melt in a bottom pour furnace, and it forms a glass seal that prevents the surface from oxidizing.

A staple in my shop for cleaning/rust prevention is a home made mixture called "Ed's Red". It is equal parts of:
Kerosene
Odorless Mineral Spirits
Acetone
Dextron II (ATF)

You have to store it in a glass or metal container, as it will permeate most plastics. Which makes it a perfect solvent for removing plastic wad fouling from shotguns too!

[flutedchamber]

For tapping, especially for tiny taps in hard metal I prefer Buttercut oil. It is a bit hard to come by, but a pint can lasts for years and years.

Here is one place that sells it. http://www.touchfreesolutions.net/butter...19777.html

This is for a case of 12. Other dealers sell it by the individual can.

[PixMan]

Buttercut works well, though it does have a unique smell when heat gets to it. I get hungry using it.

The most oft-mentioned tapping compound is Castrol's "Moly-Dee". It's pricey but is the one tapping compound that performs when all others fail. I've only used it "at work", and it does live up to the billing on the toughest Inconels, titanium alloys, etc.

http://www.penntoolco.com/catalog/produc...oryID=2186

[EdK]

(09-08-2012, 07:30 AM)PixMan Wrote: The most oft-mentioned tapping compound is Castrol's "Moly-Dee". It's pricey but is the one tapping compound that performs when all others fail. I've only used it "at work", and it does live up to the billing on the toughest Inconels, titanium alloys, etc.

http://www.penntoolco.com/catalog/produc...oryID=2186

You better grab a bottle of Moly-Dee while you can get it. It appears Castrol no longer makes it.

Ed

[Highpower]

(09-08-2012, 09:07 AM)EdK Wrote: It appears Castrol no longer makes it.

Ed

Say it isn't so!

[EdK]

(09-08-2012, 11:52 AM)Highpower Wrote:

(09-08-2012, 09:07 AM)EdK Wrote: It appears Castrol no longer makes it.

Ed

Say it isn't so!

It isn't so. There, are you happy now.

Ed

[Highpower]

Yes. And don't call me Shirley....

I guess when I run out I'll have to crack open the bottle of R-22.
Wait... did I just say that out loud?

[flutedchamber]

Just bought two pint bottles off of Fleabay for just over $30, including shipping.

[TOM REED]

I was hoping to see some more home brew fluids from the oldtimers. I have 3 500 ml bottles of some fluids that an old friend (deceased) had made up that work better than anything I have bought. I can't identify what is in them to reverse engineer and I can no longer ask him. So how about it any old timers got any special fluids/greases. tom