Thread: 4 x 6 Bandsaw Coolant Mod

Have moved on to the coolant pump mod now.
Got the return line secured so I can remove the basket for cleaning and have the outlet mounted above the blade.

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Re: coolant.
I've had a bottle of HOCUT 797BU I got from H&F ages ago. I looked to see if it can/should be diluted with water but cannot find any mention.
Anybody know if it should be and what ratio it needs to be?

Steve

From this https://www.toolprocure.com.au/asset...stralia_v2.pdf


HOW TO USE RECOMMENDED USE CONCENTRATION
Machining 1:10 to 1:20
Grinding 1:20 to 1:30

I use a speaker magnet around the drain hole, and the in the funnel which is where your basket is to catch metal shavings before they go into the tank.
I also use a round piece of flyscreen wire in my funnel to catch aluminium,brass, plastic etc, it's easy to take out and rinse off.

I have never had anything in the tank in 15 or more years.

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Originally Posted by Dave J

I use a speaker magnet around the drain hole, and the in the funnel which is where your basket is to catch metal shavings before they go into the tank.
I also use a round piece of flyscreen wire in my funnel to catch aluminium,brass, plastic etc, it's easy to take out and rinse off.

I have never had anything in the tank in 15 or more years.

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Hi Dave, Guys,

You can also salvage the magnets from a scrap magnetron from an old microwave oven !

The way you’re cracking on with that you’ll have plenty of time to build that electric punkawallah

Coming along nicely, I’ve already sold the coolant tank out from the stand though..

Originally Posted by racingtadpole

The way you’re cracking on with that you’ll have plenty of time to build that electric punkawallah

Coming along nicely, I’ve already sold the coolant tank out from the stand though..

Yep...I think I'm going to have to make one for you as well...

Originally Posted by Sterob

I looked to see if it can/should be diluted with water but cannot find any mention.
Anybody know if it should be and what ratio it needs to be?

Steve

I was told that when the water evaporates you just add water and so long as the mixture feels oily between the fingers it good to go. if you add too much and it feels watery add cutting fluid.

Originally Posted by eskimo

I was told that when the water evaporates you just add water and so long as the mixture feels oily between the fingers it good to go. if you add too much and it feels watery add cutting fluid.

A more accurate method is to use a refractometer to measure the refractive index of the mixture and then multiply that by a fudge factor OR calibrate the refractometer to known concentrations.
Then add water or more concentrated lube as required.
If the dilution goes below a certain level it can easily rust machinery.
The presence of other oils (way oil etc) can screw with the refractometer readings so the whole lot may need to be replaced every so often.

I finished the new on/off switch today. The stand provided a nice location to fit another bracket. I even had an off-cut cut to the correct angle.


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Was thinking about IF I would not need to run the Coolant Pump for any reason, whilst using the bandsaw....Not sure I would, so I will hard wire the pump to the motor terminals to KISS it.
Later, down the track , if that is a incorrect assumtion, I will either add a plug and socket to the pump cable( So I can easily remove the pump and tank for cleaning ) or fit an inline switch.



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Been looking at brushes to clean swarf off the blade.....Not sure I have room on this little saw.....Will see

Steve

Originally Posted by Sterob

Was thinking about IF I would not need to run the Coolant Pump for any reason, whilst using the bandsaw....Not sure I would, so I will hard wire the pump to the motor terminals to KISS it.

Are you ever likely to use it vertically? E.g. to cut wood? Or are you lucky enough to own a wood bandsaw too?

Originally Posted by Sterob

Was thinking about IF I would not need to run the Coolant Pump for any reason, whilst using the bandsaw....Not sure I would, so I will hard wire the pump to the motor terminals to KISS it.
Later, down the track , if that is a incorrect assumtion, I will either add a plug and socket to the pump cable( So I can easily remove the pump and tank for cleaning ) or fit an inline switch.

Mine has an in line switch so if I leave that switch on the pump goes on and off when the main motor does. However, it does take about 3-4 seconds for the lube on my setup to find its way from the tank up to the blade so to prevent the blade running dry at the start of the cut I start the motor with the blade is a mm above the workpiece so by the time it touches the work piece the lube is coming through. Sometimes I just hold the blade rm above the work and once the lube comes through I let it go

Been looking at brushes to clean swarf off the blade.....Not sure I have room on this little saw.....Will see

If you flood with enough coolant it should wash the swarf off.
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Hi Sterob
Luv the mods. They came out well.

As for the swarf brushes. I used a 25 mm rotary brush mounted on a 6mm shank. It was fitted into a bearing block and mounted on the bottom-if the blade was standing vertical . If yours is the BS4 size Bandsaw it will fit

They wear out but work OK. Its taken off at the moment as I needed to buy a fresh one .If I get a around tooit , I shall dig it out and mount it and take a pic for you.

Grahame

Mine just has a simple toggle switch from factory, I'd be worried yours will fill with coolant.
I know it may have a clear plastic cover, but it will break down eventually.

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This is my simple coolant switch on the motor terminal box.
It's wired straight from the motor like yours, so when the saw is switched on I have the choice to have the coolant on or off.
I use the vertical often so needed a way to turn the coolant off.

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I've never used wire wheels but looked into it years ago, I find the coolant flushes it off the blade even with the gummy welding grade aluminium.
Just looking at your welds and to give a tip, crank up the amps.

It's come up great, and here I am 10 years on after saying to myself I'll make a new stand and have the materials and haven't done it.

Me being me I want to make mine onto a full swivel both ways like the bigger $4000 saws with sliding vice etc. I always have to over complicate things for some reason, lol

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