p cool

[Delw]

Do you guys like these things?

I have one, I like it but think it needs to be modified so looking for suggestions or to see if anyone has done anything similar.

I am looking for more out flow not so much pressure, I am thinking of using a 5/16 or 3/8s copper line instead of the 1/4" one that is on it now.
Any thoughts? has anyone tried this? other ideas?


I have the regular coolant lines as well but want more flow on the p-cool



Delw

[HelicopterJohn]

Here is an idea for you.

Look at the picture I have attached. I made a little backet that fit on the PCOOL outlet tube that would allow me to apply air either via a foot pedal. You could make a similar bracket with a couple more tubes or even a manifold with several loc line nozzles outputting coolant. You could feed coolant to the manifold from the same input line that is feeding the PCOOL mechanism. This way you will still get the positioning of the PCOOL system but with more volume (multiple nozzles) and even have the ability to get a little more directional control of the output coolant. Loc Line also has in line shut off valves that can give your even greater control of the volume of each nozzle.

I haven't checked but you may be limited to the size of the cooper tubing you can attach to the PCOOL due to the internal bore where the coolant passes through the PCOOL mechanism.

You could bypass the PCOOL unit entirely as far as coolant feed is concerned. Just attach a custom made manifold to the PCOOL Copper Nozzle and feed it from the coolant pump output that originally feed the PCOOL Nozzle. You could size the nozzle(s) to vary the output of coolant.

I have also made a programmable Air Nozzle that can be utilized in place of the PCOOL Coolant outlet. It utilizes the PCOOL unit for positioning the airflow for each tool and is even programmable for the interval and duration of the air blasts. I have a switch that is mounted on the HAAS control where I can switch to either Air or Coolant. I could also set it up where both the air and coolant operate together. Endless possibilities.

"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1ArxUjLy5c"]YouTube - Programable Coolant Air Solenoid Introduction

Just some thoughts that may be of help.

John

[ckirchen]

I am looking for more out flow not so much pressure

Given a certain hose diameter, it will be hard to get more flow without increasing pressure.

Which coolant pump do you have on your machine? My MiniMill has the 1/8HP pump, with a 4 port manifold mounted next to the spindle. Even with only 1 nozzle open, the flow leaves much to be desired. With two nozzles open, the coolant flow has a very pronounced curve (due to gravity). Forget about using all four at once.

My GT-20 has the 3/4HP pump; wow what a difference. There is plenty of flow when all four nozzles are open. I plan on putting one on my MiniMill.

Chris

[Delw]

John
I saw the video before thats pretty cool, are you going to be selling the pc board for that or can you give that info out ( ie timer wiring diagram)?

Ckirchen
I have the 3/4hp high volume? There plenty of pressure there for the washdown hose to squirt 30 feet easy. so I am sure there is enough to open the copper up a tad in size. I am thinking 3/8s would be fine.

I would love to see the inard parts of one of those pcool units, I may have to purchase one to play around with it, there are a few possibiliies especially on fixtures on the table ( Ie disconnecting that unit and mounting it to the fixture)


Delw

[Vern Smith]

Here is a thread with some other approaches to getting coolant where it belongs, your idea of mounting a P cool somewhere on the table or fixture is a novel concept as well. Helicopter John is currently working on a remote switch in his bed room to cancel the door guard, zero the axes, and run the spindle warm up program while he's shaving in the morning.

Upgrading TM-01, coolant ring

Vern

[Delw]

Vern thanks for the link
Thats pretty cool. I like that spindle one I need to see how that would work on my fadal and maybe the haas also


Delw

[HelicopterJohn]

Hi Chris,

You are correct on the small HAAS Pump. I don't know why they even offer it. Now the .75 HP pump is another story. It pumps like a fire hose.

Hi Vern,

You are too funny!!!!! A little inovation never hurt anybody. That's what happens when you retire. Plenty of time to think. Ha Ha

Delw,

Send me a PM with you phone number and a good time to call you if you want some more information.

John

[dougtyler]

Here's how I fixed mine. I was having trouble with too much pressure. It kept blowing chips up into the tool changer and fowling the sensors. You have to ream out the inside of the 1/4 inch loc-line to make it fit over the copper output nozzle. Now I get super hi flow, without all the pressure. Hope this helps.

[HelicopterJohn]

Hi Doug,

Just a little note to let you know the replacement micro switch on my PCOOL circuit board is still working flawlessly. I really appreciated your sharing the repair process.

Many thanks for your help.

John

[Geof]

....Helicopter John is currently working on a remote switch in his bed room to cancel the door guard, zero the axes, and run the spindle warm up program while he's shaving in the morning.....
Vern

The bedroom location, cancelling the door guard and shaving are unnecessary but if Helicopter John, or anyone, comes up with a remote switch that can turn the main power on, zero all the axes and run the warm up program he/she has a buyer right here for a dozen or more (within reasonable cost limits).

[Vern Smith]

I think you have just incentivized Helicopter John