Gday All.

Is anyone using Inox MX3 in their coolant system?
I've finally gotten around to trying to get my coolant systems on the lathe and mill operational again.
Up until 2009 I had been using a semi synthetic water soluble coolant. (I cant remember the name now though)
As I don't use the machines every day, evaporation of the water component has always been a problem (even pre 2009) plus the potential for rust to develop underneath saddles etc is always a concern. Not so much so with a machine in daily use.
So I have been thinking for some time (back as far as 2011) of converting to straight Inox MX3. I can buy a 20 L drum for $229 locally.
As I don't use my machines a real lot I'm thinking of using a single tank with pump that I can move between the mill and the lathe as required to reduce the amount of coolant required. (I couldn't afford to fill the mill tank with Inox. Rough calcs say its about 25-30 litre capacity at least. Even with just 50mm of depth its still about 15 litres).

I'm not interested in a mist system as that would mean I then have to put a compressor in the shed plus I have a few concerns about safety with the mist floating around. (with the amount of use I'll give it that's probably nothing to worry about though).

I pulled the DIY coolant system that my Dad built for this lathe apart yesterday. He's used a small gear pump driven by a small motor with the obligatory dodgy wiring on it. Up until I stopped using it in 2009 it had worked fine, however sitting since then without being drained didn't really help it. I've managed to free the pump up this morning so it could be re used. (there is a good reason gear pumps are not recommended for coolant pumps. lol)

So any thoughts?

peter


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