Metal Working Fluid

[robinasu]

Browsed for a specific forum, but did not see. Please point me to a forum if this is not an appropriate topic.

I have taken responsibility of a HAAS mini mill. The mill sump is full with valcool 700 semi synthetic, but I am not sure of the condition, initial mix quality, age, etc, so I will change the fluid out. Hangsterfers S-500, which is a water soluable oil, was recommended to me, although I do not have any experience with metal working fluids, especially soluble oils vs. synthetic types.

We generally cut Aluminum and plastics and have good quality water. We've never had odor problems with the valcool ( or any other that I am aware of), but people are telling me the surface finish is better with other products.

Any advice or insight is greatly appreciated!

[underthetire]

Truthfully, coolant is like as*holes, everyone has there own. Call a local tooling rep, see what they have. Ask for a free sample, they will usually give away a 5 gallon pail for you to try. I personally think the Trim products are ok, but i can't stand the perfume they put in them, makes me sick. Finish difference will be minimal in aluminum and plastic. Copper, and other materials make a big difference. Just remember, add coolant to the water, not water to the coolant.

[PixMan]

The most universal coolant I know that has long sump life and doesn't stain anything is ValCool VPTech, a semi-synthetic. It's also one of their cheapest. That VP700 is also a semi-synthetic, rated best only for brass & copper or other low-severity applications.

[Kool Parts]

I switched to DoAll full synthetic in the '90s. Got away from the Soluble oil and semi synthetics all together. Solved all of my problems in one fell swoop. No more smell..no more science projects growing in the sump..no more skin problems..
I machine almost all Alum and every part has small tapped holes..the real test of coolant..Plus its clear with no oil so it doesn't turn white.
DGI is the sales store side of DoAll. Pay no attention to the price, its on sale this month. Just unloaded a 55 yesterday.
Gary

DGI Supply

DoAll KleanKool

[robinasu]

Thanks for the responses. After reading a HAAS mini mill setup manual I am not sure about the hangsterfer S-500 because it is mineral based (I think). The HAAS manual says to use only semi or full synthetic to avoid damaging rubber seals. Any experiences with this?

[03clipse]

I use Blazer Swiss lube and cut everything from plastic to A286. Works great