I've been meaning to ask about this for a while. It's always been a hassle for me. The deluxe stand is not angled down toward the drain, so I tend to get 1/4-1/2" standing coolant in the bottom of my machine. This reduces the already small amount of coolant that can be circulated. Clog up the table with chips, and it will quickly start pumping air. I also don't like how the chips and coolant can go underneath the machine where it's impossible to clean up. Has anyone found a solution to either of these problems?
I have two possible ideas... wanted to run them by you guys. First, tilt the entire base up on one corner so it's not level and it will tend to drain to one corner. Would this affect machine accuracy at all; I have already trammed my machine in place? Second option - fill the gap between the machine and tray with expanding foam as to prevent any coolant or chips from going underneath the machine. Keep it limited to the ~4-5" channel around the perimeter. If coolant makes it past the Y-bellows though, this could be real bad.
Thoughts? It's not really an issue if running the machine continuously, but if you do a day here and there, the coolant evaporates readily and requires a lot of attention to coolant sump level.