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IndustryArena Forum > MetalWorking Machines > Bridgeport Machines > Bridgeport / Hardinge Mills > Mister versus flood versus ??? coolant system
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
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    65

    Question Mister versus flood versus ??? coolant system

    I'm looking for a recommendation on a coolant system for A BP II CNC Knee Mill.
    * I don't particularly like the idea of a mister as I don't want to be inhaling the mist.
    * The flood type seems like it will be a mess and I have read that it gets all over the shop also. I would be willing to build a short Plexi cage around the table to catch the oil. This strikes me as the best coolant method, especially for CNC setups.
    * Just Air. This blows away the chips and it cools the end mill. Although I'm not sure it cools enough
    * It would be nice if I could turn it off and on via CNC control.

    I would just rather buy some affordable system rather than make my own, although I would consider the DIY approach if there are no low cost options.

    Recommendations? :cheers:

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
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    1542
    I built one of these myself:
    http://www.fogbuster.com/Frame.htm

    I have a very similar mill. I use a very heavy mist. Its about as good as flood without the mess. And this unit doesn't fog the room. After years of using the inexpensive air misters, I got very sensitive to the fog.

    Karl

  3. #3
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    Mar 2004
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    Quote Originally Posted by split63 View Post
    * It would be nice if I could turn it off and on via CNC control.
    Just put a solenoid in your line and use an M code to turn it on/off. I set mine up on M7 M9

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Karl_T View Post
    I built one of these myself:
    http://www.fogbuster.com/Frame.htm
    Karl
    How is this different and do you have any plans?

  5. #5
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  6. #6
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  7. #7
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    Ah, you read my mind posting the image

    One thing, this guy mentions how mist cooling is only 90% as effective as flood coolant. Given the minor amount of coolant with this no-fog approach, it must be much less effective also?

  8. #8
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    Jan 2006
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    I setup a flood system on my BP 1 with a 5 gallon bucket and a $50 coolant pump for a bandsaw. It has worked great for me so far.

    Matt

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by keebler303 View Post
    I setup a flood system on my BP 1 with a 5 gallon bucket and a $50 coolant pump for a bandsaw. It has worked great for me so far.
    Matt
    Do you have a picture of your setup? What do you use as a nozzle? Which coolant do you use?

  10. #10
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    Jan 2006
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    I cannot get a picture until the weekend at the earliest. It is a small 110V pump in the bottom of a 5 gsl bucket. The drain from my table goes into the bucket, through a screen and then recirculates. I have the normal flexy plastic nozzle which is screwed to the side of the head and plumbed to the pump. The coolant I use is the cheap stuff mcmaster sells, not sure the brand, etc.

    Matt

  11. #11
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    Mar 2004
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    Quote Originally Posted by split63 View Post
    Ah, you read my mind posting the image

    One thing, this guy mentions how mist cooling is only 90% as effective as flood coolant. Given the minor amount of coolant with this no-fog approach, it must be much less effective also?
    This no-fog sprayer is better than a mister because it uses more coolant, large droplets. You're certainly not up to the high pressure high volume flood coolant used in enclosed machining centers. But, I really like not have the full enclosure.

    Karl

  12. #12
    Join Date
    May 2006
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    1469
    Quote Originally Posted by Karl_T View Post
    Just put a solenoid in your line and use an M code to turn it on/off. I set mine up on M7 M9
    Karl this has caught my interest.

    Where do you have the solenoid valve? Does it control both lines?
    If it only shuts off the 5 psi air flow, does the coolant continue to flow?

  13. #13
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    Mar 2004
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    Quote Originally Posted by Greolt View Post
    Where do you have the solenoid valve? Does it control both lines?
    If it only shuts off the 5 psi air flow, does the coolant continue to flow?
    Yes, it takes two solenoids with this mister. I put them on the column maybe three feet from the end.

    Karl

  14. #14
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    May 2006
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    Thanks for that Karl. I am thinking of a backward step from what you have done.

    In my shed I have two mills and a lathe that get used ocasionaly and need coolent even more ocasionaly.
    So managing flood coolant is a pain.

    What I would like to do is make one small unit like yours using a smalll gas bottle
    and moving it to a machine when needed.

    So simple, read cheap would be good. One regulator.

    I know this is disregarding your improvements but I think it would be quite adequate for my needs.

    So do you have info on your first attempt?

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by Greolt View Post

    So do you have info on your first attempt?

    Sure, Its exactly the same unit and bottle. I just added a second regulator for the improvement. Should be fine this way, but a little fog will be present. I am very intolerant of the fog.

    Karl

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