Recommended Coolant?

[ranchak]

I want to add coolant to my Series I CNC, I machine mainly aluminum. I do not run my machine everyday so I want to be sure that I will not get a stagnant smell. I was looking at Oakflo DSS T-Tech Synthetic, anybody have any suggestions or recommendations?

[dmold]

Make sure to kill any bacterials before changing to the new coolant. the companies that sell coolants usually sell products for this job.
when your machine is not running for a long time it is a good idea to put the coolant pump running for a half an our or so and let the coolant recycle to the tank.
always remember to remove the oil concentration from the surface of your coolant tank.
i have used in the past the most expensive coolants in the market. if you don't do the above they will die anyway.
if you dont work very much buy a mid range mid cost coolant. if you take care of it you will not have problems.Hopefully!

regards
Dimitris

[ImanCarrot]

The bateria that causes the smell can only breed in the absence of oxygen. So a lot of folk use a small "aerator" pump in the coolant sump to get air in to it. Like an aquarium air pump.

[ranchak]

Thanks guys, I bought some Oakflo coolant. I'll have to see how well it works.

[jmelson]

Originally Posted by ranchak I want to add coolant to my Series I CNC, I machine mainly aluminum. I do not run my machine everyday so I want to be sure that I will not get a stagnant smell. I was looking at Oakflo DSS T-Tech Synthetic, anybody have any suggestions or recommendations?

I have had good luck with Engineered Lubricants. Tell them what processes and materials you use, and they will come up with the best formula.

I NEVER get a smell, but there will be some growth in the coolant if it sits for months.
I clean out my tank every couple years when I've let it sit so long it has almost dried
out. I'm very impressed with their stuff, both the bio-cide as well as the improvement
on tool life. Also, it soaks under my vise and sometimes sits for months. I get a
black stain, but it wipes off with a paper towel! So, the anti-corrosion properties
work well, too. See http://www.englube.com/ for info.

No relationship other than a satisfied customer.

Jon

[ranchak]

I've only used my coolant once, but I am happy with it so far. I plan on adding an aquarium pump wired to a timer to "stir" the coolant.