suds alternative

[cardiffpat]

Hi, I've just found what looks like a new life form breeding in my suds tank, I am not happy either with having so much water sloshing around as my lathe is kept in a cold garage & I'm always on the lookout for things turning brown.
Can anyone recommend a suitable thin neat cutting oil that can go in the suds tank?, I don't take deep cuts but need lubrication for finish.

I would also like some ideas on engraving numerals on micrometer collars, number stamps are just too crude for a professional finish, I have made a graduating tool so engraving the lines is no problem.
Thanks Pat

[ron]

Pat
I use soluble cutting oil mixed with water, the stuff I use has inhibitors to stop interesting new life forms breeding. I also use an aerosol of cutting fluid from Screwfix if it's just a small job and can't be bothered cleaning the lathe after, it gives a nice finish on steel.
Ron

[3405jimmy]

Pat
Might be worth looking in the J&L website they offer some tablets you can add to white water to freshen it up. They also have a number of different fluids that might fit your requirements.

Jim

[SteveW]

Guys,

I started out using the soluble cutting oils but had a couple of problems with rust. I then tried the neat cutting oils as bought at MEX's from the likes of Warco. This worked great but I had to wait for the smoke to clear before I found out. Maybe it's all about technique, I was making nice long blue springs roughing out a chuck backplate using a TCT tip on my Super7.

I'm reasoning that with high cutting loads generating heat the water soluble route suits while for a good final finish the neat oil is better. I'll also be going for a more oil rich mix when using soluble cutting oil in the hope of reducing rust.

I've also found the Screwfix spray taping fluid (already mentioned) to work well. It's great for fly cutting 'cus it stays where its put. Trouble is, it's a bit toxic (it says).

I recall mention of increasing health problems associated with these new neat cutting oils raised in ME a while back so as ever, good ventilation should be considered always.