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IndustryArena Forum > MetalWorking > MetalWork Discussion > cleaning endmills of aluminum deposits with lye. yay or Nay?
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    189

    Smile cleaning endmills of aluminum deposits with lye. yay or Nay?

    I had over the years had many end mills and drill bits gummed up with aluminum do mostly to operator error.

    Question, Use Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) solution in water to dissolve gall deposits.

    Good Idea? or not so much?
    Is a sentance fragment?

  2. #2

    Re: cleaning endmills of aluminum deposits with lye. yay or Nay?

    a lot of guys claim to use drain cleaners to clean their carbide end mills of gummed aluminum . I haven't done it myself but I see no reason not to . The only thing I'd question is the reaction on a coated tool , I'm guessing it would probably have an affect on the coat . Either way it's worth a try since the only other alternative is to turf the tool .
    HSS I wouldn't bother

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
    Posts
    6248

    Re: cleaning endmills of aluminum deposits with lye. yay or Nay?

    Hi Tri -NaOH should be fine for removing Al from the steel tools. They soak AL extrusion tools in it to remove the solid AL so I think its fine for drills and cutters. Peter

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    189

    Re: cleaning endmills of aluminum deposits with lye. yay or Nay?

    This technique seems to work well on both Ti coated and carbide bits and end mills. Saved a bunch!
    Is a sentance fragment?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Posts
    4252

    Re: cleaning endmills of aluminum deposits with lye. yay or Nay?

    I just poke with a carbide scribe. Works so far.

    Cheers
    Roger

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