I think we can all agree that cutting fluids are a necessary tool in a DIYer's arsenal, making the boring metalworking/machining stuff so much easier...
People have been using from WD40 to purpose-made products like Tap Magic and alternative ones like coconut oil, but what's your favorite?
People have been using from WD40 to purpose-made products like Tap Magic and alternative ones like coconut oil, but what's your favorite?
Mostly aluminium.
My favorite so far is coconut oil (an idea I got from a friend) which is easy to get, cheap and beats stuff like WD40. Haven't tried specialty products like Tap Magic though.
My favorite so far is coconut oil (an idea I got from a friend) which is easy to get, cheap and beats stuff like WD40. Haven't tried specialty products like Tap Magic though.
Hmm, yeah, I can get that sort of stuff locally and it's not expensive either.
By the way, before going for the coconut oil idea I had a look around and was surprised to see that it's use as cutting fluid is documented in the literature (e.g. here). Other people suggest groundnut oil or even sunflower oil based products.
I'm not sure about the long term effects such residue can have on the metal, though.
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I use WD40. And once used IPA (which seemed to work fine) when I didn't want any oily residue on the workpiece.
first cutting lubricant I ever used was regular soap.
when manually tapping threads I use plain 10W40 motor oil. it does an incredible job.
when manually tapping threads I use plain 10W40 motor oil. it does an incredible job.
Using Tap Magic I have gotten more than 25,000 holes out of a standard 10-32 tap.
The old books I have suggest lard mixed with kerosine. Tap Magic works much better.
The white water/lube mixture also acts as a coolant to extend bit life at higher cutting speeds. You can get more work done in an hour at the higher speeds but you get fewer pieces per bit.
But whatever works for you should be fine.
The old books I have suggest lard mixed with kerosine. Tap Magic works much better.
The white water/lube mixture also acts as a coolant to extend bit life at higher cutting speeds. You can get more work done in an hour at the higher speeds but you get fewer pieces per bit.
But whatever works for you should be fine.
Turpentine - the real stuff, made from pine sap, not the synthetic imitations - is hard to beat for thread cutting taps and dies. I can still get it at genuine hardware stores (a breed on the edge of extinction) as well as the national "home center" chains, without going to a specialty machine shop supplier.
Ever since an old machinist showed this technique to me decades ago, I have wondered why it works. The best theory I have is that the low viscosity, low surface tension turpentine can get right to the very point of cutting contact, where the heat of deformation vaporizes it and leaves behind a microscopic trace of pine resin. No way to test that theory, but if it's true there are probably other combinations of slick solid materials and suitable solvents that could give the same effect.
Dale
Ever since an old machinist showed this technique to me decades ago, I have wondered why it works. The best theory I have is that the low viscosity, low surface tension turpentine can get right to the very point of cutting contact, where the heat of deformation vaporizes it and leaves behind a microscopic trace of pine resin. No way to test that theory, but if it's true there are probably other combinations of slick solid materials and suitable solvents that could give the same effect.
Dale
The can says "cutting oil." WD 40 is just what the name says "Water Displacement". It is not a lubricant. I also have used soapy water or anything at hand. I don't like really thin fluids that can flash. When tapping, I tend to use a heavier grease.
This is the best tip I have ever seen on cutting fluid! I've been trying to get Tap Magic Aluminum in France, but to no avail. I will try using the coconut oil. Cheap and non-toxic 😀
Btw, I found this paper also:
Experimental Investigation on the Performance of Coconut oil Based Nano Fluid as Lubricants during Turning of AISI 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel
which states at the end of the paper:
I keep the used engine oil from my car in a container and use it as cutting oil.
Just don't touch it with your fingers as it is carcinogenic.
I keep dipping my drill bit in the oil.
Just don't touch it with your fingers as it is carcinogenic.
I keep dipping my drill bit in the oil.
Rustlick Ultracut Pro, diluted with water 10:1. I think Grainger carries it.
(disclaimer- my company sells that stuff)
(disclaimer- my company sells that stuff)
This stuff;
Aircraft Tool Supply Boelube Paste (4Oz Medium Blue): Industrial Hardware: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
The coconut oil sounds like it may be a winner also...
Aircraft Tool Supply Boelube Paste (4Oz Medium Blue): Industrial Hardware: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
The coconut oil sounds like it may be a winner also...
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