Cutting Lube

[bigtiller]

I bought a small set of broaches (annular cutters) for cutting sheet metal and thicker steel. I also bought two tubes of the recommended stick lube. They are 1.68 ounces each and with tax and shipping they cost $20! I found a better deal for a 1 pound tube of cutting lube but it is $36 to get it to me.

Is there a cheaper way? Or a cheaper outlet for the waxy stick grease? Can I get away with using wheel bearing grease without burning up the annular cutters? I am also thinking the wheel bearing grease would fly away making a big mess.

 

[davrow]

I don't do much cutting and have never used a good lube. I'm looking forward to hearing what people in the know use.

 

[RPW]

Go to a plumbing supply and get some pipe cutting oil. They use it when they have to cut pipe threads on galvanized pipe.

 

[bigtiller]

I've got cutting oil. It makes a mess, especially if i'm drilling horizontally. That is why I would like to find an affordable waxy grease.

 

[bcp]

One of the old standards was lard. Candle or canning wax was sometimes used, too.

Bruce

 

[bigtiller]

One of the old standards was lard. Candle or canning wax was sometimes used, too.

Bruce

Paraffin is cheap enough. People used it for cutting oil?

 

[bcp]

Paraffin is cheap enough. People used it for cutting oil?

Here's one of the references I found.

Bruce

 

[Big Barn]

Here are my two favorites.




Terry

 

[bigtiller]

Here are my two favorites.


View attachment 501073

Terry

That looks quick and easy but still messy and $12 per can.

 

[Big Barn]

That looks quick and easy but still messy and $12 per can.

Using the nozzle I can apply it sparingly, but messy, yes.

(I'm also quick and easy, but cheap).

Terry

 

[Big Barn]

I bought a small set of broaches (annular cutters) for cutting sheet metal and thicker steel. I also bought two tubes of the recommended stick lube. They are 1.68 ounces each and with tax and shipping they cost $20! I found a better deal for a 1 pound tube of cutting lube but it is $36 to get it to me.

Is there a cheaper way? Or a cheaper outlet for the waxy stick grease? Can I get away with using wheel bearing grease without burning up the annular cutters? I am also thinking the wheel bearing grease would fly away making a big mess.

bigtlller I use sheet metal cutters (shallow annular cutters) for holes
in material 1/8" and thinner. A stream of compressed air is all I use to keep the cutter cool and to clear chips.



For annular cutters up to 3" DOC I use the aforementioned spray coolant. It is a clingy foam and works well on horizontal holes.



Terry

 

[bigtiller]

(I'm also quick and easy, but cheap).

Terry

I'm not easy but I can be had.

 

[Rustyiron]

I've switched to a water based cutting fluid. A drop every now & then (like 4 during a 1" hole through 1/2" steel) works very well and no oily mess. I get it at the welding & gas supply house. The bottle (16oz?) comes partially full and you add water to top it off. Iirc $12 or so, not expensive enough to be notable.

 

[gsganzer]

Try Boelube. They sell it at MSC is various sizes and configurations. Boelube at MSC

 

[bigtiller]

I found a place that sells the Blair 11750 Rotabroach Stick Lubricant for $1.67 a tube less than my original order, so I bought 10 tubes and only $7 for shipping. That should last about as long as the cutters.

 

[Gordon Gould]

I use Walter CoolCut. Free Shipping if you get a couple sticks

Walter 53B13 Coolcut Metal Cutting Lubricant, 3gram Solid Stick: Industrial Lubricants: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

gg

 

[Big Barn]

I use Walter CoolCut. Free Shipping if you get a couple sticks

Walter 53B13 Coolcut Metal Cutting Lubricant, 3gram Solid Stick: Industrial Lubricants: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

gg

That's a good product.

I removed the coolant pump/tank setup and use it on my metal cutting bandsaw.

Terry

 

[bigtiller]

That looks like a great product for a bandsaw or any dry cut saw, and it's only $15 for a 1lb tube.

 

[BukitCase]

Big, I ordered the same set as you, hasn't got here yet but here's the 1 pound slik stick for $17.50 and FREE shipping

11745-6 Hougen Stick Lubricant: Annular Cutters: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Sorry I didn't see this thread early enough to save you buying those "tiny tubes", I generally don't follow this category... Steve

 

[bigtiller]

Big, I ordered the same set as you, hasn't got here yet but here's the 1 pound slik stick for $17.50 and FREE shipping

11745-6 Hougen Stick Lubricant: Annular Cutters: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Sorry I didn't see this thread early enough to save you buying those "tiny tubes", I generally don't follow this category... Steve

Ahh shucks, I missed that one.