cutting fluids and lubricants

[jlnak907]

i have been using some water soluble cutting oil and started to wonder if this stuff is not good to use because of it having water and the other question i have is what is a good all purpose lubricant if any that one could use on a machine and wipe down your tools with to stop surface rust,

 

[Highpower]

I often use a water soluble oil while machining as it is more economical than using straight cutting oil all the time. You just need to be careful to clean up your machine afterwards to prevent rusting. I normally wipe down my machines with way oil to prevent rusting, but for an "all around" general protection coating I like to use this: http://www.lpslabs.com/product_pg/lubricants_pg/LPS2.html

Everyone has there own favorite concoction.
I even mix up my own cleaner-lubricant from time to time. Google "Ed's Red". :biggrin:

Oh.... and welcome to the forums!

 

[Inflight]

Totally agree with Highpower.

Just wipe everything down well and apply your favorite preservative. Personally, I prefer Boeshield. As for way oil, I like cheap non-detergent 30wt from Walmart.

 

[Tom Griffin]

When machines sit idle with coolant on them, the water can separate from the oil and cause rust. That's why I've never been a big fan of water based cutting fluids of any type in the home shop. They are fine for production work because the the machines are being used constantly and maintained regularly and don't sit idle like at home. If you do use it, make sure everything is dry and oiled when you are finished. That includes any of the slides where cutting fluid may have seeped in, like the cross slide on a lathe. For cutting and tapping in steel, it's hard to beat a good sulphur cutting oil.

If you are just looking for something to wipe down the machines, I use WD-40. It will dissolve any built up goo, keeps the rust down and makes the finish shine. WD-40 also makes an excellent cutting and tapping fluid for aluminum.

Tom

 

[Highpower]

Totally agree with Highpower.

Just wipe everything down well and apply your favorite preservative. Personally, I prefer Boeshield. As for way oil, I like cheap non-detergent 30wt from Walmart.

You must have gotten a good batch. I bought a small bottle of liquid and a jar of the "paste" to try some time ago. The liquid was OK, but the jar of "paste" was nothing but a solid block of hard, crystallized I don't know what? I can't even get it out of the jar without using an ice-pick or a heat gun and melting it into liquid. Even then it solidifies again as soon as it cools. Paste is the one thing it definitely is not.

Probably just a bad batch or old stock, but it was enough to convince me not to purchase anymore. :nono:
I don't work with exotic metals anyway and for the price of the stuff it hasn't impressed me. Maybe if I would have gotten your batch I might feel differently. :biggrin:

But if it works for you, and you are happy with the results - I say run with it. The only one you need to please is YOU.
2¢

 

[Highpower]

When machines sit idle with coolant on them, the water can separate from the oil and cause rust. That's why I've never been a big fan of water based cutting fluids of any type in the home shop. They are fine for production work because the the machines are being used constantly and maintained regularly and don't sit idle like at home. If you do use it, make sure everything is dry and oiled when you are finished. That includes any of the slides where cutting fluid may have seeped in, like the cross slide on a lathe. For cutting and tapping in steel, it's hard to beat a good sulphur cutting oil.

If you are just looking for something to wipe down the machines, I use WD-40. It will dissolve any built up goo, keeps the rust down and makes the finish shine. WD-40 also makes an excellent cutting and tapping fluid for aluminum.

Tom

Tom, I agree with every bit of that, with one exception. I have never had any luck with WD-40 preventing rust. At least not in my basement.
I use it by the gallon on aluminum though.... :biggrin:

 

[Tom Griffin]

Tom, I agree with every bit of that, with one exception. I have never had any luck with WD-40 preventing rust. At least not in my basement.
I use it by the gallon on aluminum though.... :biggrin:

I'm glad I'm not the only one who buys WD-40 by the gallon! If you really want something that prevents rust, try some of the aerosol chain lube. LPS and Loctite both make it. It's kind of sticky so it stays put and it doesn't evaporate.

Tom

 

[rmsflorida]

KISS....
Cutting oil ..Clear sulphur base cutting oil..Mcmaster-Carr Supply for the circulating system
Tapping fluid .."Spray Tap" just a drop on the tap that's all you need. Best for hard to tap material.
Lubricating oil..."Mobil Way" Lube #2...general lubrication ISO# 68 and #32 spindle oil
Penetrating oil ..Kano lab's "Kroil"..is the best stuff.
Hope this helps.

Robbie

Robbie's Machine Service
Brooksville,Fla.