Bandsaw/Lathe/Mill Coolant System...

[Nelson]

I made my own coolant system for my Harbor Freight bandsaw with an empty joint compound bucket, a fishtank pump I bought at Harbor Freight, and some tubing and valves.

Anyone else made a coolant system for a machine, and if so, how? I want to improve on what I have.


Nelson

 

[pdentrem]

Did you put in a strainer? Use a cover to stop evaporation and the stink as it ages. The pump on our bandsaw at work did seize a bit due to the coolant going bad over time. I took it apart and freed it up. Some people such as myself believe that the coolant should not be in contact with the pump continuously. We have a Landis cylindrical grinder with an open coolant tank, and it is a pain as the level is dropping all the time and if it is not maintained the fluid goes rancid. Standard or synthetic fluid goes bad. Do not believe the ads about not going bad.

 

[Rbeckett]

Nelson,
I am a member of the 4X6 forum and they have a great cooler/lube plan. If you cant find it let me know and I will get the drawings and parts list. You already have most of the required parts, just need the tote to finish it up...
Bob

 

[Nelson]

I followed the plan on the 4x6 group. There was a strainer on the cart.

I used a HF service cart with 3 shelves for the saw, but the wheels were lame and leaned in, and it fell on the floor.
I need to get another cart and redesign the whole thing for more sturdiness. I don't weld so I need to make holes and bolt things
together.

I was wondering if you guys have made some for a lathe or mill and how you did it.


Nelson

 

[Nelson]

Did you put in a strainer? Use a cover to stop evaporation and the stink as it ages. The pump on our bandsaw at work did seize a bit due to the coolant going bad over time. I took it apart and freed it up. Some people such as myself believe that the coolant should not be in contact with the pump continuously. We have a Landis cylindrical grinder with an open coolant tank, and it is a pain as the level is dropping all the time and if it is not maintained the fluid goes rancid. Standard or synthetic fluid goes bad. Do not believe the ads about not going bad.

The compound tub is covered- the tube goes through a hole in the top and the pump is submersed inside.
When it starts to stink, you just dump it and wash it out. It's a good design.

But what about larger machines like mills?

Nelson

 

[8ntsane]

Hello Guys

I didnt need to build a coolant system for my lathe/mill/ bandsaw. They have the factory setups in good working order. I did however, need a coolant setup for my Hobart Tig welder. I have a Hobart TR250HF Tig welder that is water cooled.

Dont laugh to hard guys, but I used one of those plastic containers that kitty litter comes in. I allso picked up one of those Little Giant pumps at the local Princess Auto. A hand full of fittings, and a gal of antifreeze, and I have my welder water cooled, and working great. The welder was hooked up to the garden hose, and the drain out the garage door. While its fine for summer use, its not good here in the winter months.

Being this area has hard water, and the lines get this clay like substance in the lines. I figured it was time to build a self contained cooling system for the machine.
I think the cost was appox 50 bucks. and no more water running down the driveway.

Paul

 

[pdentrem]

At work we do not use coolant on the BP but the Haas does. Since the Haas is enclosed the coolant auto returns to the sump. There is a little oil skimmer that uses a closed loop of plastic hose to pick up the oil that sits on top of the coolant. We test the coolant for its ph value fairly regularly, and it gets dumped every 3 months or sooner if required.

On one of the surface grinders, there is a coolant tank but the return path via the drain holes in the table is a bit weak. Drain tubes back to the tank are the weak links, they can break loose or split due to fatigue.

 

[Chazz]

This isn't about cooling, but some ideas for 'reinforcing' a stand. I am also replacing my stock lathe stand with a Kenedy maintenance cart and will be reinforcing it in a similar fashion.

Cheers,
Chazz