Thread: chip tray liner question...

Hi people, just wondering what you guy's are using (if at all) for a chip tray liner to make cleaning up after a job a little bit easier?

I was thinking old newspaper lining the tray in 2 layers would hold the chips and oils etc, allowing a simple roll up and disposal of swarf and associated material for disposal. Your tips and advice is very much welcome.

An old or new baking tray, get hold of a bit of gal sheet or mild about .5 mm or similar,fold the sides up aground about 12/15 mm slip under the bed.
Try a small Chinese container under the gearbox if required.

Likewise. No newspaper harmed in this workshop.
I've made up a tray that fits under the lathe bed and every so often I take it out and dump the swarf in the bin (especially when about to do small parts). I have similar metal tray under the drill press table.

Michael

Hi Guys,

I admit that I'm lazy and don't clean as much as I should, I just use a dust pan and brush after the magnetic wand has done its stuff.

Originally Posted by Michael G

I've made up a tray that fits under the lathe bed and every so often I take it out and dump the swarf in the bin (especially when about to do small parts).

Mine came with a full size tray made out of Zn plate. However I also made up toothless rake out of 150 mm long pice of 25x25 angle that I use to rake up the large swarf and pull out of the tray direct into a rubbish bin.

I just use a cheep shopvac $20 from Aldi I consider this expendable it has been going for 2 years

Originally Posted by Zumanity

I was thinking old newspaper lining the tray in 2 layers would hold the chips and oils etc, allowing a simple roll up and disposal of swarf and associated material for disposal. Your tips and advice is very much welcome.

I think you'll find that if the paper gets too damp, it'll fall apart and end up with a greater mess to clean up.
Kryn

I've lined the tray of my lathe with some industrial lino. I use a magnetic wand for cleanup and the lino prevents it from sticking to the tray. Unlike the tray whose paint is all chipped the Lino is very smooth so any swarf the wand can't or doesn't pick up sweeps up very cleanly and easily.

IMG_3626.jpg IMG_3622.jpg

I also have an old rigid plastic food tray which lives under the business end to catch the bulk of swarf which I can lift out and dump in the scrap bin directly. When not in use a half dozen or so pages of newspaper is left on the tray to soak up any oil drips, this is removed when in use.

IMG_3621.jpg IMG_3620.jpg

I also made up a removable cover that clips between the ways under the chuck, this prevents a lot of crap getting under the headstock and simplifies cleaning.

IMG_3624.jpg

The industrial lino is around 3mm thick and very durable, it's been there for six years and shows no sign of degradation despite have been covered in plenty of oil and very hot blue swarf. The tray has been there for ten years and is the same.
Cheers,
Greg.

stubbie lids.

Thanks guys! All excellent ideas and gives me plenty of options to consider

I've taken to a simple approach, it's not perfect but it makes it easier
I place a board of plywood under the lathe and it catches most of the chips

Extra benefit is it can only hold so much so you have to empty it rather than let it sit

Not sure ply is such a good idea IF water soluble coolant is used especially it’s left that way even ON

Originally Posted by BobL

Not sure ply is such a good idea IF water soluble coolant is used especially it’s left that way even ON

Good point.
When I apply water soluble oil it is with a brush. Would not recommend flood/spray coolant

My scrappy board is still going strong 2 years on, just stained and a bit saggy!