Mist cooler

I have one similar to:

I am quite happy with it, except for one small detail (not really the fault of the equipment...) As long as I use it frequently, it works well. But if it sits for a while, it plugs up and needs to be disassembled for a thorough cleaning to get it working again properly.

Jerry

I have that item too, as sold by Enco.

Both the needle valve and foot valve clog up from the "stuff" depositing on them when they sit unused for weeks. I put a brass barb in the liquid line so I can separate them and puff them loose again.

Another problem with the Enco version is the Loc-Line cracks where it joins to the brass fitting. Pain to repair because there's a tube running down the core, so you can't just shorten it one link.

I have a "Cool Mist" brand. I like mist lube/coolers.

That said, there are problems, as mentioned before. I have mine wired with solenoids to the spindle drive, air and coolant. My issue is that it seem to be using WAY too much air, blowing mist all over the shop. I went so far as to make a spacer that gets the max vac with min air flow. Then had to add a coolant filter. Maybe I'm just pickey. My coolant tank is located above the venturi, so I get more lube than designed, another reason for the solenoid valves. But, I use it a lot. Dave

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A master machinist friend of mine strongly dislikes mist coolers because they raise the humidity of the shop. I've never had that problem since my shop is well-ventilated. But, if you have a tightly enclosed (heated/air conditioned) shop or are in an already damp location (basement?), it may be a concern.

Jerry

I've been interested in mist cooling but realized that since my metal shop is also my wood shop it likely would not be good for all my wood seasoning in the wood racks. I'm wondering if just straight air to avoid recutting chips might get a fair percentage of increased tool life that a mister can provide.

Wes

I use a single-hose unit, and cool-mist with water. Works great, but i don't use it all day. Humidity isn't an issue, I heat with wood, or leave all doors and windows open when weather is good. I don't like the idea of breathing the fog, so even in winter I place a fan in the nearest window to blow the mist outside. I am curious as to the long-term effects on the machine, I always find coolant when I move the vise, but no rust so far.

Mine are bolted to the sides of the mill columns, at or below table level, so there is no natural syphon effect. no extra coolant thats not needed during run time. My lathes use flood oil coolant.

Gunner

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"Pax Americana is a philosophy. Hardly an empire. Making sure other people play nice and dont kill each other (and us) off in job lots is hardly empire building, particularly when you give them self determination under "play nice" rules.

Think of it as having your older brother knock the shit out of you for torturing the cat." Gunner

I thought I was the only one with the cracked Loc-Line joint. I tried super glue and it held so I could finish the job, but have not tried to shorten the line or try other methods of repair.

Paul

Thanks to those of you who replied.

RWL