Thread: Swarf filter

I tried similar SS mesh inside 90mm stormwater fitting on top of my coolant bucket for my bandsaw. It didn't work. A matter of swarf size I guess. The mill would be better for this.

Dean

the thing I see wrong with filter media is that they will eventually block up.

a good solution ( disclaimer...Maybe) would be to allow the swarf to settle out in low agitation/movement of coolant..similar to the effect of workshop vacuum system...the dust settles out in the drum due to low airflow

in case any ones looking for a source of supply of the metal mesh try the screening off an old microwave door

Originally Posted by eskimo

the thing I see wrong with filter media is that they will eventually block up.

a good solution ( disclaimer...Maybe) would be to allow the swarf to settle out in low agitation/movement of coolant..similar to the effect of workshop vacuum system...the dust settles out in the drum due to low airflow

+1

I'd be inclined to go this route.

Cleaning filter mesh is something I would rather not do.

Rob

I am hoping the magnets will grab the bulk of the swarth , the larger bits anyway . The screen is easy to remove and clean. A regular attendee of local swap meets sells the mesh for $3 a sheet, I suspect it is aviation quality as he alos sells aluminium rivets in packets marked XXXX aviation etc.

As an extra filter , i tied a bit of the mesh over the pickup tube in the container ........ hopefully this will stop any fine particles from stuffing up the pump

For a milling machine have the coolant and swarf run into a mesh bucket that can overflow if full into the coolant tank. Lift out the bucket and tip out the swarf. It depends on the size of the swarf particles. I have found that the bandsaw makes swarf that blocks filters which then needs physical cleaning. I did try sitting the pump up above the bottom to allow room for swarf to sit below the pump. Best to have a raised tray to make coolant intake occur from the sides not below. I have found that the use of magnets has made this unnecessary tho.

Dean

Originally Posted by morrisman

I am hoping the magnets will grab the bulk of the swarth , the larger bits anyway . The screen is easy to remove and clean. A regular attendee of local swap meets sells the mesh for $3 a sheet, I suspect it is aviation quality as he alos sells aluminium rivets in packets marked XXXX aviation etc.

As an extra filter , i tied a bit of the mesh over the pickup tube in the container ........ hopefully this will stop any fine particles from stuffing up the pump

Hadn't thought of magnets. Now THAT'S a good idea.

Have a few big rare earth magnets (out of old DC treadmill motor would be excellent) under the bottom of a plastic container and that should work much better than any filter.

Good one.

Rob

Originally Posted by morrisman

I am hoping the magnets will grab the bulk of the swarth , the larger bits anyway . The screen is easy to remove and clean. A regular attendee of local swap meets sells the mesh for $3 a sheet, I suspect it is aviation quality as he alos sells aluminium rivets in packets marked XXXX aviation etc.

As an extra filter , i tied a bit of the mesh over the pickup tube in the container ........ hopefully this will stop any fine particles from stuffing up the pump

How big are the sheets at $3.00? How fine is the mesh? I have some fine and very fine mesh but not a huge amount and no longer replacable. I have already sold a piece to a forum member years ago. Terrible stuff to pack up. I rolled it but the edges have thousands of sharp points waiting for unsuspecting fingers then snap! Took heaps of tape and a warning for unwrapping.

Dean

Originally Posted by Oldneweng

How big are the sheets at $3.00? How fine is the mesh?
Dean

Hi

The sheets are only small , about 10 x 10 " , the mesh is very hard to see with the naked eye, it's that fine . You would need a mag glass to see make out the mesh threads .

Originally Posted by morrisman

Hi

The sheets are only small , about 10 x 10 " , the mesh is very hard to see with the naked eye, it's that fine . You would need a mag glass to see make out the mesh threads .

My very fine mesh is made in a sort of multi layer form. It is designed to hold the finest grades of Diatom Earth (DE). I have no idea just how fine but probably too fine for most uses. I got it from work when a DE filter was repaired. DE is now banned in our company so the filters have gone to another home. We had 2 of these filters. There is also a little one still resting out the back in the "storage area". I think the bigger ones had 15 sq m of filter surface.

Dean

I think coarser mesh to pick up the big stuff and then some nice big magnets to get the small stuff. Add a milo tin or similar under the tank input the catch even more (much like what surface grinders have) before the magnets can get whatever is left. You don't want the magnets power all getting used by big chips.

I like the idea of the mags from the treadmill motors Rob, i'll remember that.

Ew

what ya gunna do on ally...

Originally Posted by eskimo

what ya gunna do on ally...

.........get an ally magnet?

That thought occurred to me as well, I do a fair bit of ally, brass and SS machining.

Originally Posted by Big Shed

.........get an ally magnet?

That thought occurred to me as well, I do a fair bit of ally, brass and SS machining.

Looks like a sediment/settling tank still required.

That or make up a centrifuge.

Rob