-31-
Cutting Fluid System
The cutting
fl
uid system consists of a
fl
uid tank,
pump, and
fl
exible nozzle. The pump pulls
fl
uid from
the tank and sends it to the valve, which controls the
fl
ow of cutting
fl
uid to the work area. When the valve
is opened or closed, the
fl
uid comes out of the nozzle
and drains through the chip drawer and into the
catch tray and then into the tank where it is picked up
again by the pump. Figure 82 shows many of these
components and their locations.
Although most swarf from machining operations
falls into the chip tray and stays there, some small
chips drain into the tank. The pump uses a screen to
prevent it from picking up the small swarf that ends
up in the tank.
Since the swarf is spread throughout the coolant
system, cleaning the system on a regular basis is a
requirement to maintain the life of the pump.
Adding Fluid
1. Disconnect Lathe from POWER !
2. Remove the vented cover and slide the tank out,
as shown in Figure 83.
3. Pour
cutting
fl
uid in the tank until it is nearly full.
4. Slide the tank back into the base and replace the
vented cover.
Figure 83. Cutting
fl
uid pump and tank.
Pump
Tank
Hazards
As some cutting
fl
uid ages, dangerous microbes can
proliferate and create a biological hazard.
The risk of exposure to this hazard can be greatly
reduced by replacing the old cutting
fl
uid on a monthly
basis, as indicated in the maintenance schedule.
The important thing to keep in mind when working
with the cutting
fl
uid is to minimize exposure to your
skin, eyes, and respiratory system by wearing the
proper PPE (personal protective equipment), such as
splash-resistant safety glasses, long-sleeve gloves,
protective clothing, and a NIOSH approved respirator.
Changing Cutting Fluid
When you replace the old cutting
fl
uid, take the time
to thoroughly clean out the chip drawer, catch tray,
and chip tray while you are at it. The entire job only
takes about a 1
⁄
2 hour when you are prepared with
the proper materials and tools.
To change the cutting
fl
uid :
1. Position the coolant nozzle over the splash guard,
so it is pointing behind the lathe. If you have the
optional hose, connect it to the end of the coolant
nozzle now.
2. Place the 5-gallon bucket behind the lathe and
underneath the coolant nozzle. If you have the
optional hose, place the hose in the bucket.
Otherwise, you may need to hold the bucket up
to the coolant nozzle to prevent coolant from
splashing outside of the bucket.
3. Turn
cutting
fl
uid the pump ON (or have another
person turn it ON if you are holding the bucket),
and pump the old cutting
fl
uid out of the tank.
Turn the pump OFF immediately after
fl
uid stops
fl
owing.
4. Disconnect Lathe from POWER !
5. Remove the vented cover shown in Figure 82
and slide the tank half way out of the base, as
shown in Figure 83.
If necessary, disconnect the
fl
uid hose from the pump,
where shown in Figure 84.
Nozzle
Chip Drawer
Pump & Tank
(Cover removed)
Valve
Lever
Cutting Fluid Pump Switch
Figure 82. Cutting
fl
uid system
components and locations.
