I need to mill a slot in some 1/8" 316 stainless steel and was wondering what I should be using for a cutting fluid. I'm planning on using a 3/8" cobalt coated roughing end mill.
-- Geoff
- posted
18 years ago
Cutting Fluid for Stainless Steel
Loading thread data ...
- Vote on answer
- posted
18 years ago
Harveys #5 works great and its only $9.00 a gallon, it's a petrolium based high sulphur cutting fluid. Slowest possible rpm with constant pressure will get the job done.
Best Regards Tom.
- Vote on answer
- posted
18 years ago
--Westlube is pretty good stuff...
- Vote on answer
- posted
18 years ago
If you are only doing one slot one time....and if the slot is relatively short, then you can get by without any cutting fluid. Just reduce speed and feed accordingly. A 3/8 slot in 1/8 thick sheet.... unless you are holding the material pretty close to the slot you are cutting, the resulting vibration (chatter) will likely cause more damage to your end mill than the lack of a coolant.
Good luck!
- Vote on answer
- posted
18 years ago
I milled the slot yesterday and it turned out fine. It was actually an 11" long 5/8" wide slot in a 1.25" square tube. It wasn't quite like cutting through butter, but it sure went smootly.
I ended up using "Ultra Lube" cutting fluid as I couldn't find any of the products which were suggested here. It's very thick and seems to have doen the job. Thanks for the suggestions.
-- Geoff
"Ace" wrote in news:hHHsf.201579$qk4.145189 @bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net: