VM-2 coolant/chip problem

[extanker59]

We have a new VM-2. Great machine in all respects but one. The coolant return pours out right next to the filter screen separating the coolant tank from the pump. So you get a mound of chips up against the screen when you try to clean it. Plus, much of the fines go right through since they don't get a chance to settle like in our VF-2ss.

We've had several instances of pump starvation and one of overflow when the chips built up fast at the top screen. They want you to clean the tank once a month but we're going to have to clean it more than that. Never had this problem with our VF-2ss.

Right now, this looks like they screwed up putting the return so close to the pump but what experiences do the rest of you VM-2 users see?

[Machineit]

If I run into that problem, I just lay about a 1" square bar above the holes. The coolant runs around, but the chips stay above for a long time. There is little you can do about the fines, but there is a separator in the tray.

Mike

[extanker59]

I see that you have a VF-2. We also have a VF-2 (ss). We don't have this problem with it. The VF-2ss has a grill above the auger that we put a raised cage over to increase the flow through when chips build up.
But that's inside the enclosure.
On the VM-2 I'm not having any real problems inside. Maybe one difference is the VM-2 has holes in the auger channel too. Maybe that's why I'm getting more chips through than the VF-2ss.
In any case, it's the chips building up around the main screen inside the coolant tank that separates the tank from the pump that is my biggest grief. Chips building up on the screen on top of the tank is only my 2nd grief (still annoying but managable).
I'll send photos to show more next.

[extanker59]

Here they are (I hope). The left photo shows the VF-2ss with the coolant return as far from the pump as possible. The right photo shows the VM-2 with the coolant return right next to the main filter screen between the main tank and the pump enclosure.

[haastec]

I have started adding these to the newest machines. (Sorry, crappy cel phone picture) 40GPH flow with a 50micron replaceable filter bag. Chips would constantly clog the p-cool and other coolant lines pointed at the tool resulting in broken tools and down time to clear out the clogs.

So far, running about 20 hrs/day 6 days/week I average about 3 weeks on a filter. Some jobs running cast aluminum, it will only last about a week, worst case so far. Not the cheapest setup, but it has been very effective. (About $325 for everything plus filters)

I like the rear exit for the coolant, but it is to close to the pump. It's amazing how much of the larger chips still get past 3 screens.

[extanker59]

Chips would constantly clog the p-cool and other coolant lines pointed at the tool resulting in broken tools and down time to clear out the clogs.


I like the rear exit for the coolant, but it is to close to the pump. It's amazing how much of the larger chips still get past 3 screens.

I've only had a little problem with chips blocking the lines but I really like the filter idea.
I also liked the rear exit for the coolant when I first saw it but experience with it has reversed my opinion. Looks good on paper but terrible in execution. I even said to a coworker "They really thought this one through" when I first saw it. I was wrong.
They fixed a minor annoyance of cleaning a semi-hard to reach chip pan by making a much larger problem of chips building up against the inside main screen.