My foreman told me to run the coolant at 8% concentration, not 5%, on the new Okuma lathe.

I thought it was a waste, but after six months the tool life on the 4140 steel jobs is way better. Anyone else find their machine likes a specific mix?

3 comments

3 Comments

hill.andrew1mo ago

Ever think more coolant was just a waste? I ran mine weak for years to save money. Switched to a richer mix on my old mill for aluminum and the finish got way better, chips cleared easier. Guess the machines know what they like.

terryh201mo ago

Totally agree, found the same thing with my old lathe. That extra lube makes a world of difference on the finish.

taylor_hayes251mo ago

Right? @hill.andrew makes a good point, but how do you even figure out the BEST mix for each material?