Mister versus flood versus ??? coolant system

[split63]

I'm looking for a recommendation on a coolant system for A BP II CNC Knee Mill.
* I don't particularly like the idea of a mister as I don't want to be inhaling the mist.
* The flood type seems like it will be a mess and I have read that it gets all over the shop also. I would be willing to build a short Plexi cage around the table to catch the oil. This strikes me as the best coolant method, especially for CNC setups.
* Just Air. This blows away the chips and it cools the end mill. Although I'm not sure it cools enough
* It would be nice if I could turn it off and on via CNC control.

I would just rather buy some affordable system rather than make my own, although I would consider the DIY approach if there are no low cost options.

Recommendations?

[Karl_T]

I built one of these myself:
http://www.fogbuster.com/Frame.htm

I have a very similar mill. I use a very heavy mist. Its about as good as flood without the mess. And this unit doesn't fog the room. After years of using the inexpensive air misters, I got very sensitive to the fog.

Karl

[Karl_T]

Originally Posted by split63 * It would be nice if I could turn it off and on via CNC control.

Just put a solenoid in your line and use an M code to turn it on/off. I set mine up on M7 M9

[split63]

Originally Posted by Karl_T I built one of these myself: http://www.fogbuster.com/Frame.htm Karl

How is this different and do you have any plans?

[Karl_T]

http://groups.google.com/group/rec.c...84cf2d68dbdd33

[Karl_T]

http://cnczone.com/forums/attachment...9&d=1142288893

http://cnczone.com/forums/attachment...8&d=1142288616

http://cnczone.com/forums/attachment...7&d=1142288616

[split63]

Ah, you read my mind posting the image

One thing, this guy mentions how mist cooling is only 90% as effective as flood coolant. Given the minor amount of coolant with this no-fog approach, it must be much less effective also?

[keebler303]

I setup a flood system on my BP 1 with a 5 gallon bucket and a $50 coolant pump for a bandsaw. It has worked great for me so far.

Matt

[split63]

Originally Posted by keebler303 I setup a flood system on my BP 1 with a 5 gallon bucket and a $50 coolant pump for a bandsaw. It has worked great for me so far. Matt

Do you have a picture of your setup? What do you use as a nozzle? Which coolant do you use?

[keebler303]

I cannot get a picture until the weekend at the earliest. It is a small 110V pump in the bottom of a 5 gsl bucket. The drain from my table goes into the bucket, through a screen and then recirculates. I have the normal flexy plastic nozzle which is screwed to the side of the head and plumbed to the pump. The coolant I use is the cheap stuff mcmaster sells, not sure the brand, etc.

Matt

[Karl_T]

Originally Posted by split63 Ah, you read my mind posting the image One thing, this guy mentions how mist cooling is only 90% as effective as flood coolant. Given the minor amount of coolant with this no-fog approach, it must be much less effective also?

This no-fog sprayer is better than a mister because it uses more coolant, large droplets. You're certainly not up to the high pressure high volume flood coolant used in enclosed machining centers. But, I really like not have the full enclosure.

Karl

[Greolt]

Originally Posted by Karl_T Just put a solenoid in your line and use an M code to turn it on/off. I set mine up on M7 M9

Karl this has caught my interest.

Where do you have the solenoid valve? Does it control both lines?
If it only shuts off the 5 psi air flow, does the coolant continue to flow?