Cutting fluid for drilling holes?

[blunosr]

Hi, I'm re-mounting my FEL and am drilling lots of large holes in 1/2" plate. I have been using motor oil as cutting fluid, but it seems to me that real cutting fluid is some kind of soap?

I've used lots of cutting fluid on lathes, and metal band saws, but I just don't remember what it's really made of. I'm sure someone on here knows...

What do you guys use for cutting fluid?

Thanks,

 

[WilliamBos]

and where can you buy it? need some too.

 

[Craig Clayton]

BEER

Craig Clayton

 

[SandburRanch]

Ridgid cutting oil.

Ridgid 32808 Thread Cutting Oil, FGG/BM/CZ, 1 Gal

 

[flusher]

Hi, I'm re-mounting my FEL and am drilling lots of large holes in 1/2" plate. I have been using motor oil as cutting fluid, but it seems to me that real cutting fluid is some kind of soap?

I've used lots of cutting fluid on lathes, and metal band saws, but I just don't remember what it's really made of. I'm sure someone on here knows...

What do you guys use for cutting fluid?

Thanks,

I use this stuff

Oatey Dark cutting fluid

Dark Thread Cutting Oil :: Oatey.com

 

[WilliamBos]

Thanks. Found some on HD.ca


Masters | Cutting Oil - 1L Amber | Home Depot Canada

 

[s219]

In a pinch, you can use all sorts of things -- I have regularly grabbed kerosene, alcohol, or WD-40 with good results. I am sure diesel would do as well.

Here's an article with more detail than I could hope to explain:

Cutting fluid - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[bearcreek paul]

Cool tool works well for cutting and tapping it's a bit expensive.

 

[Bob77064]

A machinist told me that you can use water, he said all you are wanting to do is cool the drill bit. Myself I have used WD40, but that gets expensive.

 

[bearcreek paul]

You want to cool the tool but you also want to lubricate,and keep chips clear to disperse the heat.