Cutting Fluids- What type should I use?

Nelson

Nelson

Site Founder
Administrator
Hey Guys,


I need a cutting oil for both turning and milling operations, and drill press work. Mostly light (non agressive) cutting and tapping in brass, aluminum, and steel. I prefer not to use a flood or mist collant because of the mess. I'm looking for a brush-on or squirt-on (i.e. from an oil can).

What do you guys recommend?

Do you mix up your own solutions, or buy a premade solution?


Thanks,


Nelson
 
I spray aluminum with WD-40 for milling. For everything else that gets cut wet, I like Cool Tool II, which I think is a vegetable and/or lard oil base. It's excellent for tapping too. It does tend to gum up, and it turns bronze cuttings green, so now I also use some plain light clear-cut oil. I'm not sure what it's called, but CNC and screw machines are commonly full of it.
 
I use a straight pure lard oil for almost all my needs. It may be more expensive than these concoctions but it is what the old engineers and machinists used.

It has only one major fault and that is that when it gets hot, it attracts all the two and four leg nuisances as well as bees and wasps.

The real bonus is that it leaves hands really soft.

Norman
 
So really, it is just something to lubricate and dissipate heat? Sounds like regular motor oil would work if you had to.
 
For tapping and drilling I use bacon grease, only problem is when it gets hot it makes you hungry. Haven't broken a tap since I started using it.....
 
Hey Guys,

Forget all that other greasy kid's stuff...

Move on up to the 21st century with BOELUBE®, in the paste. It's from Boeing!

Fantastic stuff for a home shop that doesn't want to run flood or mist. Just brush some on and go.
Available from MSC, Travers, Etc.

Here's some "official" information about it I copied:

"Unique Chemistry Manufactured from personal care ingredients, BOELUBE® is non-toxic, non-irritating and environmentally safe. BOELUBE® is non-corrosive, non-flammable, chemically stable, and free of halogens, heavy metals, sulfur, phosphorus, silicone, petroleum and paraffin wax. BOELUBE® does not contain any ingredients considered a hazardous substance by OSHA, WHMIS, IARC, NTP, and State Regulatory Lists. Refer to Material Safety Data Sheets for additional information.

High Efficiency Lubrication - High lubricity and unique polar properties are the keys to its ability to provide superior metalworking lubrication.The application of minute amounts of BOELUBE® , which is consumed in the metalworking process, will greatly improve tool life , surface finish and hole quality. BOELUBE® provides superior lubricity when machining materials such as aluminum and titanium where high quality finish and increases of 200% or more in tool life is observed. Cost savings are derived through longer tool life, increased productivity, reduced lubricant usage, lower shop maintenance costs, and clean chips, parts and machinery.

Advantages - BOELUBE® will not promote dermatitis and presents a safe effective method for operators to machine various types of metal, composites, graphite, etc. without special handling or typical disposal problems.
BOELUBE® is easily removed with water-based cleaner, isopropyl alcohol or denatured alcohol. In most cases BOELUBE® does not have to be removed prior to heat treat, and may be compatible with paints and sealants (testing is recommended and should be performed). BOELUBE® may also be left on the work piece for subsequent machining or as a corrosion inhibitor .

Application - BOELUBE® is available in Liquid, Paste, Solid and Water-Soluble form. Applications include Abrasive Belts, Bending, Cold Working, Deburring, Drilling, Drop Hammer, Forming, Grinding, Milling, Punching, Reaming, Routing, Sawing and Tapping. The choice of which physical form to use will depend on the operation, material type, speeds and feed rates."

No connection to Boeing (I am Ex-Grumman), now just a happy user.
Save the bacon fat for breakfast ;-)

G'luck
PaulS
 
I have water soluble oil in my mills, It has never smelled bad and its been in one of them for about 3 years. I read all the stories about how bad it is but I've never had any problems. I have to add to it ever few months, But its cheap enough.

Paul
 
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