Hi,

I just purchased some 1/4" loc line flexible tubing to blow the chips out while cutting. Somehow I overlooked the need to control the air flow out of this tube. I would like to have some type of valve a few feet down the air hose to control the air flow. I am looking for some type of valve sort of like whats pictured here: http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=1002&PMCTLG=00 but I need to have the NPT connectors on both sides of the valve. I have no idea what this is called other than an air valve. Anyone know what I should be looking for?

All that is on the enco page is air blow guns. Im not quite following what kind of valve you are looking for. Why not just use a ball valve or gate valve?? if you use the gate valve you have more control over the flow. They are found at your local hardware store... :-)

I have a little project I am working on. One of them I currently use on my Bridgeport Milling machine. If you look at the pictures you will see that Loc-Line also offers some control valves for regulating the air volume output at the nozzle. The manifold I make is fully adjustable and can be mounted on either side of the milling machine quill. I also made a spacer for the top to prevent the quill from traveling too far in the upward position and knocking the manifold camp off the quill. The manifold shown in the pictures is a prototype model but the new one was been modified slightly. This manifold could easily be mounted on a HAAS machine on the right side of the spindle by using a larger radiator hose clamp. This manifold is designed so that you can dispense cutting fluid and air at the same time or independently.

I am also working on a model for use on lathes that will mount via a magnet and possibly other method.

The other one I am using on my HAAS TM-1P PCOOL nozzle accessory. I made a little bracket that attaches to the PCOOL Nozzle and have the hose that is attached to a Heinrich foot pedal. It is a GREAt asset for blowing chips out during the machining process. As it is attached to the automated PCOOL nozzle it puts the air right where you want it.

I have attached a few pictures for your amusement. I am also working on a similar item that will be for use on manual lathes and possible CNC lathes.

Probably more than you wanted to know but may have some useful information in the text.

John

Duplicate

The link I posted was the closest thing to what I'm looking for that I could find an image of. I'm not looking for a valve that will let out a constant stream of air like whats pictured in Johns setup or a gate valve but rather I'm looking for a valve that is controlled by how much I squeeze. Like the blowers found in my link I want this type of valve but instead of the blower tip, a few feet of hose would attach and then connect to the loc line.

I want to have the loc line setup and positioned on my mill. Then I want to be able to blow air through it as needed. The idea is that when chips build up I can just give the valve a squeeze and increase the air flow as needed to remove the chips. Does this item exist?

Adapt an air blow gun with a few feet of hose into the machine connecting to your Locline.

Geof, that is an option but this cant be a non-existent item. Ive seen foot pedals that do this.

http://www1.mscdirect.com/PDF/2008/583092.pdf
http://airinc.thomasnet.com/viewitems/air-valves/manual-and-foot-pedal-air-valves
http://www.camozzi-usa.com/products/valves/npt/3_manu_v/manual_v.php

Hi HakBot,

I want to have the loc line setup and positioned on my mill. Then I want to be able to blow air through it as needed. The idea is that when chips build up I can just give the valve a squeeze and increase the air flow as needed to remove the chips. Does this item exist?

If you go to my website in the gallery section and look at video #4 about the crankshaft locking tool you will see my foot pedal operated air nozzle in operation during the maching operation. Here is the link.

http://www.helicopterjohn.com/gallery/

Basically, the manifold I made for the Bridgeport does the same thing and it has a foot pedal that operates it as well. The volume of air that is dispensed is controlled by the positioning of the blue and orange valve (Loc Line Part). This works great and I use both of them all the time. The bonus on the Bridgeport manifold is that it has 2 inlets and 4 outlets. You can hook one inlet up to the air supply and the other up to a portable coolant pump. That way you can dispense coolant and be able to blow the chips off the part as desired.

John