Diy Coolant System??

[twocik]

WOW today was my first CNC cut with I think was a 7 series aluminum and wow should I have listened to you guys with using a coolant system.

The WD40 isn't bad, but I should be using some sort of coolant system! I noticed when not using any liquid (WD40), some vibration and very jagged cuts on the sides of my work piece.

I'm running my X1 CNC mill with -
1/8th 2 flute carbide endmill
cutfeedrate of 5
plungerate of 2
at 1800rpms

When using the WD40, the cuts were much cleaner, but it just looks like it's still missing something for the finish.

I thinking about making my own system. I was going to use a water pump from homedepot, but didn't know which one to go with or if the pumps they sold would be strong enough.



I found this site with directions on making a flood coolant system, buy I have very little knowledge with this. So if anyone would like to share any info or experiences with a system like this, Please feel free to share.

Parts Listing

I'd be pleased to save others some time in making their system. The total parts cost is about $300. Here is a complete listing of the parts needed to make a really nice coolant system:

Aluminum milling machine drainpan see drawings below (any fabricator - $150)
Little Giant VMC-1 Pump (www.mscdirect.com #09409012 - $80)
Loc-Line 1/4" Coolant Pieces: 1/4" snap-together hose; magnetic base; 1/4" valve; 1/4" T-fittings; miscellaneous nozzles (www.modularhose.com - $25)
1/2" thick aluminum plate to hold mill above coolant (www.mcmaster.com - $50)
27/64" drill bit and 3/8" NPT Tap for Wabeco CNC table (hardware store - $15)
Mobilmet S-122 water-based coolant (www.mscdirect.com #60002466 - $14)


Chris

[project5k]

can you post the link to the actual source site, i would like to take a look

[twocik]

Here this is the one


http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...%3D1%26hl%3Den

[twocik]

I also found this one


http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...%3Den%26sa%3DG

[Tim Wiltse]

Hey Chris,

You can make something else for alot LESS! The VMC-1 kit from McMasster-Carr is about $100.00 these days. Cheaper from other sources.
Make a trip to your local Home Depot or Lowe's. Pick up a sheet of plywood($15), maybe a 2x4 or a 2x2($2or$3), PVC shower liner($25), 5 gallon bucket w/lid(? maybe a few bucks), an outside pond pump($20 or $30 bucks), piece of plexiglass($10 tops) and a length of hose and oddball hardware(few bucks) .
Even though your mill is small it will surely kick up chips and sling cutting fluid onto things you don't want them getting on. Build an enclosure with the plywood and 2x4's or 2x2. Line it with the PVC shower liner.This stuff is like a heavy rubber sheet only PVC. Use the plexiglass as a see through door on the front. Use a drain fitting of some sort and mount it to the bottom of the enclosure. Run a piece of hose to the 5 gallon bucket..heck any size bucket for that matter and have it sit under the bench were you have your mill setting. Maybe score some wire mesh to use as a filter to keep out the big chips from the pump. Just my 2cents..keep the change!

LAter,
Tim

[askman]

1800rpm is really too low for 1/8" carbide endmill as well. I found a neat little homemade setup here. http://cnc.novalab.org/mister.htm it is almost like fogbuster. I am planning on making one up when I get a better compressor.

[twocik]

"1800rpm is really too low for 1/8" carbide endmill as well."

Well 2000rpms is all I got. I know I know, I've been looking to invest into a bigger machine, but money is a little tight right now. I have recently upgraded the X & Y table, and made a Plexiglas case to hold the mill.

Here's what I've built.

[Kipper]

Nice enclosure! Just waterproofing to do and maybe a little "drop" to one corner for coolant return?

[Harryman]

I use a simple system that works well for small cutters. I ran an IV line with a right angle fitting through a loc line with a big needle on the end. The needle fitting just screws into the fitting on the end of the IV line, so they're easy to change. Don't forget to grind the buisness end off!

The advantage for me over only a loc line is that you can get tip of the needle and the stream of coolant very close to the cutter without having the loc line in the way. Plus, once the basic shape of the loc line is set, you don't have to mess with it very often, the needle just pivots out of the way.

[project5k]

thats an interesting idea.. i guess i better order me some of this locline stuff, so when i get ready i have it... pretty cheap from mcmaster isnt it? or is there better sources?

[Harryman]

I bought mine from Wholesale Tool. http://www.wttool.com/

McMaster is great, they have everything, but they're usually a couple of bucks more for most stuff.

[twocik]

"millingjeweler'

What kind of mill are you running? Looks very nice BTW!!


You know this is a very funny thing that you brought the IV line up. My girlfriend is a nurse here in Naples, FL and I've had her bring me things from around the office to try. I have something very similar in my hands to what you have (PCA Pump), I'm going to look into it tomorrow. That's after I pick up a water pump tomorrow.


Any ideas on a coolant tray? I've thought of maybe a oil changing pan, but we'll see.

Now I was thinking of a few things to angle it, but was afraid that my case was made out of mostly soft wood, so maybe some water proof paint might help....

The other problem I think I might have later in the future is, on the bottom of my mill you'll see a 1/2" thick black base. The base is made of steel, which I'm thinking it might rust. I've painted the base properly. I sanded the steel with a metal brush, and grinded most of the oxidation off, then primed it and spray painted it black.


What do you guys think?









The biggest Pain in the A$$ with the my X1, low RPM's (2000 max), the gib plates & screws are such a pain to get just right, nylon gears suck. I'm looking for something in the range of $3000.00 - $5000.00, but not just yet. I almost bought the X2, but I'm thinking maybe even taking out a loan and getting a waterjet. This is something I really enjoy doing and could do it for the rest of my life. Never thought I would have ever seen myself doing this. I barely made it thru shop class, wish I could go back now for the knowledge!!!