Coolant checks seemed pointless until my spindle overheated

I used to skip coolant checks to save a few minutes. After a tool snapped from heat, I realized my mistake. Now I check levels before every job. My tools last longer and parts look better. What small habit changed your shop routine?

4 comments

4 Comments

claire_grant341mo ago

Did you ever think coolant checks were just a waste of time? I used to skip them too until my mill started making odd noises from overheating. Now I check levels every Monday and it stops bigger problems before they start. What small step do you now swear by in your shop?

logan5251mo ago

Actually @claire_grant34, checking weekly seems like overkill to me.

shanef341mo ago

You let it get to the point of making noises? That's wild to me. I mean, I get skipping checks sometimes but ignoring weird sounds feels like asking for a huge repair bill. Maybe it's just me but catching low coolant before it cooks itself seems way cheaper. I'd be too nervous to wait for a full noise to start checking.

claire_davis313d ago

I used to roll my eyes at coolant checks too, thought it was just busywork. Then my old lathe started this weird ticking sound that turned into a seized pump. Cost me almost a grand to fix, all from low coolant. Now I pop the cap every Friday before I leave, takes two seconds.