[Jim Dawson]

Just a small compressor would work fine. No pump needed. Jake is using a small vacuum pump as a compressor, but your air brush compressor should work. The other option is to make a flood coolant system using a small submersible pump, but that is really messy without a full enclosure and you have to return the coolant to the tank someway. I apply coolant at about 1/2 cup/hr with my spray mist system so no mess.

[Goemon]

Just a small compressor would work fine. No pump needed. Jake is using a small vacuum pump as a compressor, but your air brush compressor should work. The other option is to make a flood coolant system using a small submersible pump, but that is really messy without a full enclosure and you have to return the coolant to the tank someway. I apply coolant at about 1/2 cup/hr with my spray mist system so no mess.

Thinking more about it, my airbrush compressor is probably not rated for continuous use but my 3/4hp Thomas vacuum pump is and that has a 50psi air out / air compressor line. It's probably more suitable although it's a little too much power for this purpose.

Do I need to be worried about if my spindle is sufficiently water-proof for the type of coolant system? I have a PDS Ades90 which is an electric spindle. Do CNC spindles get damaged if coolant liquid gets splashed up?


Does the coolant get reused in a spray mist system?

[Jim Dawson]

Do you have a view on buying a complete standalone system like this one?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-ACCURA-....c100005.m1851


It seems to come with everything you need so you plug in and go.

If you want a flood coolant system this one would work, but it's going to be messy. Not really suitable for a system without a full enclosure. Routers are not really set up well for flood coolant.

Thinking more about it, my airbrush compressor is probably not rated for continuous use but my 3/4hp Thomas vacuum pump is and that has a 50psi air out / air compressor line. It's probably more suitable although it's a little too much power for this purpose.

Do I need to be worried about if my spindle is sufficiently water-proof for the type of coolant system? I have a PDS Ades90 which is an electric spindle. Do CNC spindles get damaged if coolant liquid gets splashed up?


Does the coolant get reused in a spray mist system?

Your vacuum pump would be perfect for a spray mist system.

I have a customer with a similar spindle using a spray mist system and and he has had no problems that I know of. The rotation of the spindle pretty much keeps the coolant out of the works. In his case, the coolant is controlled by the G-code (M7, M9). Turns the coolant on only when cutting. But a light spray aimed at the tool bit pretty much keeps the coolant away from the bearings. The bearings are sealed in any case.

No, the coolant is not reused. But if adjusted correctly, very little coolant is actually used. As I said above, I normally use about 1/2 cup / hr, just enough to keep the tool a bit wet.

[Goemon]

If you want a flood coolant system this one would work, but it's going to be messy. Not really suitable for a system without a full enclosure. Routers are not really set up well for flood coolant.



Your vacuum pump would be perfect for a spray mist system.

I have a customer with a similar spindle using a spray mist system and and he has had no problems that I know of. The rotation of the spindle pretty much keeps the coolant out of the works. In his case, the coolant is controlled by the G-code (M7, M9). Turns the coolant on only when cutting. But a light spray aimed at the tool bit pretty much keeps the coolant away from the bearings. The bearings are sealed in any case.

No, the coolant is not reused. But if adjusted correctly, very little coolant is actually used. As I said above, I normally use about 1/2 cup / hr, just enough to keep the tool a bit wet.

That's good to know (about how little is used) because it seems to cost a lot for what it is. I'm sure there must be a more economical way to get it than ordering a gallon off eBay though.

I had assumed that flood coolant was out of the question with an electric spindle. I will actually have a full enclosure but it's to reduce the noise more than to catch coolant.


I guess spray mist is the way to go.