Problem- Funky Smell?!?!

[Billet Sean]

I have a 1996 VMC3016 with a 10k rpm spindle. We normally don't run over 6k, but we have a job right now that we're streamlining and running at 9600rpm and 90ipm. We're machining 6061 aluminum. The chiller was unhooked since we don't normally turn the rpm's way up(always under 6k). I hooked it up and added RV antifreeze (it was bone dry). Now we're getting this aweful smell. It follows me home too. I don't think I could get the stinch off with gasoline and a brillo pad. I'm wondering if it's the RV coolant or something in the spindle (belts, bearings, anything). Also, I bypassed the ball screw cooling lines. After replacing the thrust bearings last week, I didn't want to do it again any time soon. There are 3 tools that turn at 9600 rpm. For a total spindle time of about 3 minutes (1 min. each). I'm not doing any hogging either. Anyone else have a "B.O." problem?

[mekdad]

it is probably the rv anti freeze you are supposed to use dow frost call your dealer to get some and the smell might go away

[donnelson]

somebody was telling to use oil in the chiller so if it leaked it would lube the thrust brgs.

[mekdad]

dow frost is a heat transfer fluid and you mix 50-50 with distiled water it takes the heat out of the spindle bearings.If it leaks, its a good idea to fix the leak the thrust bearings should be sealed so it would not matter if it was oil, grease or water getting on them.the dow frost will keep the spindle cool.the other thing it might be is the coolant that you are using at that speed and feed you must be getting a lot of heat at your tool and it might be burning the coolant and making the smell.

[Billet Sean]

I was told by a Fadal Service guy that I could add RV Antifreeze instead of DowFrost. He said "Make sure it's RV Antifreeze and not regular auto antifreeze". I read the bottle and it said that it wasn't for Gas or Diesel engines. Whether that makes a difference or not, I don't know. When I first filled it and plugged it in, there were leaks all over. The X, Y & Z axis all leaked. So I unplugged the lines going to the bearing blocks and joined them together with brass compression fittings. Fixed the leak. But I'll bet I lost about a gallon into the coolant tank. So maybe it's the coolant and the RV antifreeze vaporizing while I'm milling?

[mekdad]

that could be you could run the spindle without cutting for awhile and see if it stinks or not.

[Neal]

DO NOT EVER USE ANY THING BUT DOWFROST IN THE CHILLER SYSTEM. iF YOU HAVE PUT ANYTHING ELSE IN FLUSH THE SYSTEM completly AND USE DOWFROST!

Neal

[Billet Sean]

How do I go about flushing it? With water or DowFrost?

[Neal]

flush it with water well then fill the system with the Dow Frost mix. Get ALL of the anti-freeze out of it.

Neal

[fizzissist]

Neal is not kidding.

[Mazaholic]

I'm really suprised you took the chance of operating the machine without the chiller.
That could be an expensive gamble.

[Billet Sean]

Neal, do you think the antifreeze is what's causing my smell?