PM-1236T Coolant Containment questions

[NickelOrBust]

Hello-

New member here - I took delivery of my 1236T 7 days ago. I've got it setup and leveled and have even made a part or two. I'm generally pleased so far!

I plan to be cutting tough materials and using coolant. I've installed the coolant system sold by PM with the lathe. And of course the mess is not fun. Just running the pump to check it out, I've even seen coolant splattering out the gap in the back.

It looks like some folks here have installed the Flexbar units (forum wont let me post a link, but Grainger sells similar).

How do they work? Can anyone recommend a splash guard setup?

 

[Ulma Doctor]

congrats on the new lathe!
you have thousands of hours of fun, awaiting!!!
what types of materials are you planning on turning?
did you have a favorite flood coolant you'd like to use?

i have not tried the flexbar unit, but i'll follow the thread to see if others have!

 

[NickelOrBust]

I don’t have a favorite coolant but I’m planning to use water based. I’ll be cutting inconel 625 and 718 with the coolant.

 

[Ulma Doctor]

i have not had the pleasure of turning inconel
i tig welded some.

i'd be very interested to see the projects that come forth!

 

[mmcmdl]

That inconel is tougher than a $2 steak . Not much under it on a machinability chart . Have fun with it !

 

[mmcmdl]

Old project pics . Lets see yours !

Rummaging thru the stuff cleaning up and found some older pics . Pre 1999 , so OK to post . I'm going to keep these at hand as they might just come in handy next week for a few interviews . :p Anyway , these were some very noteworthy projects over the early years of the career . Lets see some of...

www.hobby-machinist.com

This filter housing is solid inconel and was a 9 month project. The internals kept our Makino VMC busy for 24 hours a day . Chewed up a lot of end mills in the process .

 

[mksj]

I have used the Flexbar it works OK, much better than none. I did develop stress cracks over time. When I installed it on my current lathe it is attached to the cross slide so always covers the cutter. I would look at this thread with the same lathe that also went with flood coolant. Lots of good ideas. I use a water emulsion Koolrite on my bandsaw and it works well, but call them and see what they recommend.

Setting-up the PM 1236-T Lathe

I wanted a system that would allow me to move the lathe without needing to spend a bunch of time re-adjusting it. I agree this system would certainly make it much quicker to drop the lathe onto wheels to move it around. But, wouldn't you still have to re-level the lathe every time you park it?

www.hobby-machinist.com

 

[NickelOrBust]

I did see that thread, and I'm a bit in awe of the willpower and craftsmanship displayed there.

I'm thinking about getting a large plexi shield from Danray. As is, it should keep the coolant of the ceiling and the wall behind. I could attach another piece in the front to keep it from getting thrown forward.

Danray Wood Lathe Shields

 

[zjtr10]

I feel your pain about the coolant mess! What has worked for me is pinching down the flow and re-positioning the discharge spout. Trying different locations front, back, top, straight on at an angle until you find something you can live with

 

[GL]

Or get a raincoat? Crap, was that out loud...