Flood-coolant proof way covers?

[awetmore]

Has anyone tried using a different system of way covers on their Taig mill?

Flood coolant is very helpful for machining, but the Taig only seems marginally prepared for it. For instance I've noticed that the base (blue 2" square stock) will fill with coolant, and that the valley that the Y leadscrew lives in also fills with coolant after a while (which is probably not great for the leadscrew or nut).

A lot of larger machines use a set of interlocking way covers that seem like they'd do a better job. Is there an upgrade for the Taig that offers those?

What have others done to "coolant proof" their Taig?

Finally, I know that Taig doesn't recommend water based coolants, but I don't know which coolant they do recommend. I'm placing an order with Enco this week, can anyone recommend a good coolant from them? I'm currently using Koolmist 77, but know that it isn't the best flood coolant.

alex

[Fastest1]

That is misting coolant. Get a coolant with a rust preventative in it. I have never seen commercially available way covers for a Taig. I have seen people fold their own for Sherline mills. There is a youtube video on how to do it.
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV-eHIGzMPg"]YouTube - Leadscrew cover for your Sherline mill[/nomedia].
I did find 1 for a Taig but I dont think it is as nice.
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO3GAyyHiA8"]YouTube - TAIG CNC Z axis way cover / bellows[/nomedia]
I hope this helps. In fact "Tryally" on youtube (Luiz Ally) has built a machine that automatically folds the covers. I dont see him selling a product though.

Has anyone tried using a different system of way covers on their Taig mill?

Flood coolant is very helpful for machining, but the Taig only seems marginally prepared for it. For instance I've noticed that the base (blue 2" square stock) will fill with coolant, and that the valley that the Y leadscrew lives in also fills with coolant after a while (which is probably not great for the leadscrew or nut).

A lot of larger machines use a set of interlocking way covers that seem like they'd do a better job. Is there an upgrade for the Taig that offers those?

What have others done to "coolant proof" their Taig?

Finally, I know that Taig doesn't recommend water based coolants, but I don't know which coolant they do recommend. I'm placing an order with Enco this week, can anyone recommend a good coolant from them? I'm currently using Koolmist 77, but know that it isn't the best flood coolant.

alex

[dlaery]

I bought some plastic "U" shape at a local lumber/hardware.
Then I bought some 2 face trim tape from auto parts, it sticks good and should hold up in rainy weather. This helps some what. Then I cut some clear plastic to put over the step motors.

[awetmore]

I'll give the gutter approach a try. It seems like I could use that to get coolant away from the Y axis ways, and it is easy enough to setup.

Little Machine Shop sells the bellowed way covers from the X2 mill. I keep meaning to order those to use on the back of the Y axis and the lower Z.

I'm also ordering some Trim E206 coolant from Enco to use instead of the Koolmist 77.

It took me two tries, but I have a good enclosure now which doesn't leak any coolant and which drains really well.