Automatic Transmission Fluid as Coolant
Howdy,
I have been searching the rest of the CNCZone and other forums, for coolant suggestions and ran on to many posts recommending ATF as a cutting fluid for aluminum and steel.
Now I like that idea, since I still have an allergic reaction to using water as a cutting fluid. I have thought about kerosene but am not crazy about using a substance designed to burn, as a coolant. I'm sure an insurance agent would have a field day with that one, even if it had nothing to do with a claim.
I have also thought about just loading up water based coolant with anti-corrosion additives too. I expect there is a bit in the water based coolants, but hearing stories of rust under vises, etc, makes me think there isn't enough.
I live in a rural area, so farming fluids are available relatively cheap by the 5 gallon bucket. Lots of ATF is available. It shouldn't evaporate, and has a low enough viscosity it should pump well with the normal 1/2hp sump pump I'm thinking about.
What say yee, would automatic transmission fluid be a good alternative?
Thank you for sharing your experience.
kr
Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid as Coolant
I have been using #2 diesel for coolant the last few months and like it in the fact that I dont get rust or staining even under the vise etc.
Deep drilling and tapping work really well with it also, and the machined finishes are better as well.
It does dry up over a few days and doesnt leave things looking oily.
It doesnt lose much to evaporation either.
I use the ulsd type, as it doesnt stink as bad.
For intermittent use it works well for me, I just have a thing about water of any kind on a machined surface.........
Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid as Coolant
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RussMachine
I'm kinda puzzled as to why people look for alternatives to the old reliable water-soluble oil mix.
Me too, but in this case the OP seems to have an allergy to water-based coolants. I use Hangsterfer S-500 for both flood and the Fog Buster with no major probems. I do get some dermatitis at times but haven't pinned that down to the coolant yet.
Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid as Coolant
Quote:
Originally Posted by
freeidaho
Howdy,
I have been searching the rest of the CNCZone and other forums, for coolant suggestions and ran on to many posts recommending ATF as a cutting fluid for aluminum and steel.
Now I like that idea, since I still have an allergic reaction to using water as a cutting fluid. I have thought about kerosene but am not crazy about using a substance designed to burn, as a coolant. I'm sure an insurance agent would have a field day with that one, even if it had nothing to do with a claim.
I have also thought about just loading up water based coolant with anti-corrosion additives too. I expect there is a bit in the water based coolants, but hearing stories of rust under vises, etc, makes me think there isn't enough.
I live in a rural area, so farming fluids are available relatively cheap by the 5 gallon bucket. Lots of ATF is available. It shouldn't evaporate, and has a low enough viscosity it should pump well with the normal 1/2hp sump pump I'm thinking about.
What say yee, would automatic transmission fluid be a good alternative?
Thank you for sharing your experience.
kr
Hi - you can buy different forms of deodorised kero that is not flammable - it has the high aromatics removed. It is used as dilectric fluid in EDM machines and is kind on the skin. it is a sort of thin transformer oil - I use Fuchs and you can drop a match in it and it wont catch. - high flash point. I have only used it as a EDM fluid, but I imagine it would be good for machining Aluminium. I machine a lot of steel on my Tormach, so use cheap soluble oil.
keen
Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid as Coolant
I've used 3 different water based coolants in the last 6 yrs in my PCNC1100 and have never had an issue with rust in or on anything. I think some owners confuse fretting with rust under the vises. I surely don't worry about my table being "stained" by my coolant. It's kind of like the Ford, Dodge, Chevy battle everyone has an opinion and choice they prefer.
Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid as Coolant
I grease up the bottom of the vice with high viscosity automotive grease before mounting it and never had a problem with rust under the vice, even if it sits on the table for months.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid as Coolant
Quote:
Originally Posted by
cordvision
I grease up the bottom of the vice with high viscosity automotive grease before mounting it and never had a problem with rust under the vice, even if it sits on the table for months.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You've just made me think I better check my vise!
cheers, Ian
Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid as Coolant
Petroleum jelly works great under vises and fixtures as well.
Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid as Coolant
I got fed up with the rust on table and under vice, so I switched to Mobil 766. Been using it for over a year and no regrets. I did have to replace the Tormach coolant pump b/c it couldn't handle the oil's viscosity. A cheap sump pump from H.D. and 1" I.D. tubing delivers the oil to a block with four outlets of which I'm using three coupled to LocLines. Works great! No rust or corrosion and evaporation isn't a significant issue. I am using flooding which really clears away any chips.
1 Attachment(s)
Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid as Coolant
Guys, I beg you for your own good, not to use any flammable products for coolant.
Attachment 260934
Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid as Coolant
Dang! What were you using?
1 Attachment(s)
Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid as Coolant
My shop would not have been in the picture if the coolant was flammable. It was highly watered down koolmist in the tank and did not catch fire.
The entire control panel in the machine melted.
Attachment 260936
Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid as Coolant
Lee, that's got me worried. Even though I worked for many years in a shop that used oil without any problems, it could be we just got lucky.
Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid as Coolant
Petroleum based coolants work OK if you don't mind some smoke. The more coolant you put on it and the faster you go, the more smoke you're gonna get.