Page 1 of 2

Cooling fluids

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2018 8:35 am
by rbuckner
I am about to pull the trigger on an HD4 with the liquid cooled spindle. My question is can a fluid such as RV anti freeze be used Vs water? My workshop isnt heated 24/7 and only when i am in there working. I dont think Mama would allow me to bring this into the house ( not saying the thought didnt cross my mind)

Re: Cooling fluids

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2018 5:52 pm
by SteveM
That is probably what everyone that has a spindle uses. RV antifreeze

Re: Cooling fluids

Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2018 5:38 pm
by blackhills
This thread is a bit old but i wanted to point this out for future viewers. I use RV antifreeze for my spindle. If you live in a cold climate keep in mind this type of antifreeze will turn into a slush. It will not expand like water when this happens but it would definitely affect the flow through the pump and spindle.

Re: Cooling fluids

Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2018 6:09 pm
by SteveM
During the winter in Wisconsin, I keep the garage at 48 degrees, so I don't have to worry about freezing. While I am working, I crank up the heat to 65 which only takes about 20 min because the garage is insulated including the door. I also have rubber tile on the floor, so no cold concrete to stand on or transfer cold to the room.

Re: Cooling fluids

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2018 1:30 pm
by rbuckner
I ended up using -50 RV antifreeze. THe only time I heat my shop is when im in it. It usually stays around 30 degrees when the heat isn't burning in the wood stove. It works real well however I use a lid on the pail to keep the dust out.

Re: Cooling fluids

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2019 3:06 pm
by CharliesWoodStuff
I'm getting ready to set up my WC spindle. My garage is heated (60 degrees) thru the winter so I'm not worried about freezing. But - will antifreeze help keep the spindle cooler? Is there any advantage to antifreeze in my situation?

Re: Cooling fluids

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2019 3:53 pm
by OCEdesigns
From previous research I found that at normal ambient temps straight water will dissipate heat better than 50/50 antifreeze mix.

Re: Cooling fluids

Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2019 8:44 am
by WNC_Ed
I would suggest that the amount of liquid in the reservoir is more important than the what the liquid is.
5 gallons is better than 1 gallon.
If I were in Miami or San Diego I wouldn’t waste the $10 or so for anti freeze.
In a climate where freezing is possible the anti freeze is a pretty cheap insurance policy.

Re: Cooling fluids

Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2019 9:36 pm
by James45
I run a water cooled spindle-use a 5 gallon bucket of plain water. My shop is a steady 67 degrees and the longest run has been 11 hours. I measure the temp of the spindle and water tank with a infrared meter. The highest temp rise in the spindle was right at 20 degrees. I do empty the bucket out once a month just so the water does not get "funky", then start with fresh. However-my stepper motors will get up to 105+ after that long-yet they exhibit no signs of distress. Mileage will vary for everyone-this is but a guide post.

Re: Cooling fluids

Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2019 2:54 pm
by CharliesWoodStuff
Thank you!

Any suggestions on placement / cable management?

Here's the table I built for it. Trying to efficiently arrange things now.
image1 (5).jpeg