PURPOSE

   The portable coolant attachment is a device for supplying coolants and cutting oils for cutting operations with machine tools when continuous application of a coolant or cutting oil is required. The portable coolant attachment consists of a container to hold the coolant or cutting oil, a pump to force the coolant through a flexible hose directed at the cutting tool and workpiece, and a pan arrangement beneath the machine tool to catch the coolant or cutting oil, filter it, and return it to the container.

   The portable coolant attachment (Figure 9-30) is self-contained and powered by an electric motor. The coolant container and catch pans are attached to the bed or frame of the machine tool beneath the work area, and a flexible metal hose is positioned where the stream of coolant or cutting oil from the pump will flood the workpiece and cutting tool at their point of contact. The pans beneath the workpiece catch the coolant as it splashes from the workpiece and strain the coolant as it flows back to the container for recirculation. Coolant can be controlled by a valve at the base of the flexible hose. A pipe plug is provided at the base of the container to drain the coolant from the container after use. The portable coolant attachment moves easily from one machine to another to provide various machines with cooling capabilities.

COOLANT ATTACHMENT OPERATION

   The portable coolant attachment serves the needs of a machine shop in a field or regular maintenance facility. It provides coolant for lathes, mills, drilling machines, grinders, sawing machines, and other machine tools. The attachment should be set up under the area of the machine tool that does the cutting action and needs to be cooled. The drip or catch pans should be arranged horizontally to catch the coolant as it drips from the workpiece. Position the flexible hose so that it directs a stream of coolant to the point of contact between the cutting tool and the workpiece.

    The portable coolant attachment is a device for supplying coolants and cutting oils for cutting operations with machine tools when continuous application of a coolant or cutting oil is required. The portable coolant attachment consists of a container to hold the coolant or cutting oil, a pump to force the coolant through a flexible hose directed at the cutting tool and workpiece, and a pan arrangement beneath the machine tool to catch the coolant or cutting oil, filter it, and return it to the container.

Figure 9-30. Portable coolant attachment

     If the cutting tool moves along the workpiece, clip the hose end to the cutting tool carriage so that the hose will move with the tool.

    The material to be machined will determine whether to use a coolant or a cutting oil. Fill the container of the portable coolant attachment with the selected coolant or cutting oil. Start the pump motor of the attachment before starting the machine tool to check the flow of coolant over the workpiece being machined, and adjust the stream flow as necessary. Start the machine tool and perform the cutting operation. At the conclusion of the operation, stop the pump motor. Drain the coolant or cutting oil from the container by removing the plug at the bottom of the container. Clean out the container, pump, and hose before using a different type of coolant.