Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Questions about mill enclosures..

Hi Ian,

I would recommend polycarbonate (Lexan) over acrylic. I've made several
covers and enclosures and I always find the acrylic ones don't last long
before they crack. Lexan is much MUCH tougher. As for cleaning, I just
use air first, then WD40 on a cloth.

As for coolant, my setup is on a Bridgeport clone but I use mist coolant
- mine is made by Kool Mist and the concentrate is "Formula 78". I
control the source of air via an air solenoid (electically operated) and
so when my program starts, it turns on coolant via an M10 and off via
M11 but other systems may differ. This is probably overkill for a
Sherline, but the principle should still be valid.

It would probably help others to suggest things if you describe what
materials you are cutting etc.

Cheers, Peter



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