Cutting fluids

The history book suggests that Wakefield's started with nothing more than Castor Oil. I should think that it will cut most things merely being close to tooling.

The esterification or saponification of Fatty Acids.It all depends- if you know what I mean.

Is castor oil itself any good ? Think I'll have a go with shower gel - smells nicer. Neither of those are saponified of course. Is it the saponification that makes them good cutting lubricants ? Is soap any good for thread cutting ? In Woowlich Arsenal I was told that ear wax was the finest lubricant for taps and dies, but I think that was just a good story to tell the uninitiated like me.

Jim Hawkins

Do a google for soluble oils.Loads of manufacturers and unless you`re doing production gearcutting or broaching a cheap one will do you.Most solubles dilute at 20 to 1 so five litres of soluble will make you 105 litres when mixed.If it`s only for a Myford or similar go and knock on some engineers doors to buy a litre.If you had been near I would have given you some but I`m not posting it.

Mark

One has to be careful! I use purified lard oil but that could cause a Mutiny.

'In Caelum Indicum Primus

Could certainly cause an influx of local cats...

Regards, Tony

Rocol make excellent cutting paste & liquid (Rocol RTD), have used very successfully on stainless steels. I think ARCO stock it or definitely Axminster Tools (no connection, just satisfied customer). Also look out for similar compound called Trefolex.

ANGELS BREATH For trouble free tapping. Mix together one part Turpentine, two parts White Spirit and three parts Olive oil.

hope this is of use MARK

Hi Jim

I have used Rocol RTD cleancut fluid and find it excellent. It leaves little residue and I`ve used it for drilling, tapping and on my lathe and milling cutters. I apply a small amount using a childs painting brush.

Paul

It is only for a Myford. Just been given 10 litres of Gunk. Might that be any good as a cutting fluid ?

Jim Hawkins

Certainly cut the paintwork off, if it's the Gunk of old.

Tom