Tried a new coolant mix ratio after a chat with a guy at the tool crib

Switched from 10:1 to 8:1 water to concentrate on our VF-2SS, and the finish on 6061 improved noticeably. Anyone have a different ratio they swear by for aluminum?

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4 Comments

anna_coleman466mo ago

Buddy of mine runs a small job shop and swears by a 5:1 mix for his older Haas. Claims it solved his chip welding issue on long runs. His parts looked like they were cut with butter afterwards.

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terry8356mo ago

Wait, a 5:1 mix? That's way off spec for most coolants.

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smith.nancy6mo ago

Tried 5:1 once and my machine got so slick I almost fell over checking the finish.

1

oliver_nguyen156mo ago

Wait, you almost fell over because it was so slick? That sounds like a safety hazard, not a better finish. Terry835 is right, that mix is way off and could ruin your machine's seals over time. How do you even get the right rust protection with that little concentrate? Your buddy's parts might look good now, but I'd worry about the long-term damage.

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