Bridgeport CnC Mill Coolant Options

[v12lover]

Hello,
I'm new to this forum, I'm pretty sure I'm posting in the right place?
Anyways, I have Bridgeport Explorer 1 cnc mill. It is run sometimes 8 hours a day or maybe 1, or some-days maybe not at all-We arn't consistent at all. Also we cut aluminum and steel regularly and will cut other materials if needed.
So, what kind of coolant would be good for this?I want something oil based-as by we have used water based and had problems with rust.Also I'm not an expert so I'm looking for kind of a cnc coolant basics course? lol.
Thanks, V12lover

[djr76]

I use water soluble oil from Rustlick called Power Cool, works great for me. For the most part, most coolants will do whats advertised, the main thing for coolants is the maintenance. Keeping proper concentrations, filtering particulates and tramp oil out with a Coalescer/skimmer, maintaining proper PH levels, and keeping bacteria and fungal growth down to an absolute minimum. I would contact your local tool supplier for technical advice to choose a product that best suits your needs.

[mactec54]

Hi v12lover

We use GreenCut also in a Bridgeport & other machines, if you get rusting, GreenCut has antirust that you can add to the cutting fluid,the GreenCut will never go bad Like oil base cutting fluids

[v12lover]

Thanks for the advice everyone, a few more quesitons though,
How much of different brands are the price and brand name?
Are there any main brands that i pretty much can't go wrong with?
Are there any small differences that make a huge difference latter?
Thanks , v12lover

[ImanCarrot]

On tramp oil (the stuff that leaks from your spindle and floats on top of the coolant sump)- stick the foam stuff that you get in clean air cabinet filters (it's like white porous fibrous material- similar to loft insulation, but looser) on the drain to the sump where the coolant goes back into the sump- this "wicks" up the tramp oil- you can chuck them in the bin every couple of days- job done. Oh it also stops chips getting into the sump.

Also, coolant bacteria loves an anerobic environment (no air) so a fish tank air pump will aerate (sp?) your sump and inhibit bacteria growth. If you've ever had dermatitis due to bad coolant you'll know what I mean. Cracked and brittle skin in every finger joint...not fun at all.

[mactec54]

Hi ImanCarrot

With GreenCut you don't have any bacteria to worry about,& tramp oil also is not a problem,It has enzymes that take care of the tramp oil, GreenCut is Synthetic & Biodegradable, no dermatitis with this stuff either, The only problem I have with GreenCut is the price, but the benefits out way the cost

[Monkey King]

For me the best is Mist Coolant.
I use 3HP compressor.


FEATURES
● Flexible functions as cooling, lubrication and blowing the metal chips can be performed at the same time.
● Designed and manufactured for improving machinability, cutting speed, and extending tool service life, Saring working time and production cost.
● It insures better quality of parts finishing and cutting peformance.
● The unit help to creat micro-finish effect even working on tough alloy steels and exotic metals.
This mist coolant systems are suited to fit on lathe, milling, drilling, tapping, grinding, cutter grinding, NC, CNC, press, sawing machine...

[ImanCarrot]

I got a similar settup on my diamond turning lathe, mist coolant, 50% Ethanol and 50% Anylytical Reagent Water (AR). Basically 100 degree proof vodka lol. But I have to buy them seperately and mix them, empty bottles of Smirnoff lying about the lab wouldn't look right to customers, and I doubt the boss would sign the Purchase Req lol (even though it'd be cheaper).

[Edit] On my Bridgeport thingy I use 50% WD40/ 50% water (it goes white) in spray mist for acrylic and ally, for stainless I use flood coolant but I aint cut stainless in ages- 303, she's for me, 304 she's whore.

[Monkey King]

I use mixture 80% water and 20% cutting oil.
Use it for knee mill.
When finish the job, I check, the endmill is cold, as cold as come out from refrigerator. Also endmill life longer.