Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Questions about mill enclosures..

Ian Grimwood wrote:

>Couple questions for assembled "experts".
>
>1. I'm looking to make an enclosure for my new Sherline 5400CNC
>machine. I'm favoring Plastic and more specifically acrylic. Will
>acrylic withstand cutting fluid etc or will it be attached? I'm looking to
>make it a fully enclosed box with a front and back that will be hinged and
>large enough to leave room to adjust and set-up the mill. Are there any
>major pitfalls I should lookout for?
>
>

Acrylic (Plexiglas (tm), Lucite (tm)) are quite resistant to common things
in the shop. Oil, water, mild solvents like alcohols, etc. have no effect.
The one problem with acrylic is that it is hard to glue. I bolted my
shields
together, which has the advantage that the shields can be modified, panels
removed or "hinged" away as needed by the workpiece and fixtures.

>2. Does anyone know of a cheap and efficient coolant system for a
>sherline.. if the machine is cnc I don't want to have to be applying the
>coolant/lubricant. Preferable controllable...
>
>

Gee, I'm not sure a Sherline can handle flood coolant without harming it.
You might look at mist, especially if you have an enclosure to keep the
mist out of your lungs. But, you need an air compressor for that.

>3. Any preferred coolants out there? Are some bad for use on a Sherline?
>
>
>

The big problem with flood coolants is they pick up oils from the machine,
and this prevents oxygen from getting to the water-based solution. Bcteria
grow, make bad smells and gunk up the fluid.

I have found Tri-Cool to be really bad in this regard, and not good for
tool life,
either. Engineered Lubricants suggested one of their coolants for my mix of
materials and processes, and it has worked GREAT! It improved tool life
as well as practically eliminating the growth/smell problem.

Jon