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Post by tkrueger3 on Nov 10, 2010 15:47:12 GMT -5
So, I've been using 32 wt hydraulic fluid in my Lortone 10" for several months now, with good results. It does seem to get cruddy pretty quickly, but then, I've no personal experience with anything else to compare it to. But it works well, keeps the blade and stones cool, and doesn't smell too bad. So today I put a new blade in the 18" Royal, and poured in 5 gal. of the 32 wt hydraulic fluid that I bought a few weeks back at one of the auto parts stores, for $31.95 for a 5 gal. bucket. Had a big greenish chunk that I wanted to slab, because I think it is probably jade. Clamped it into the 18" and let er rip. After about 5 minutes, I was curious. Turned it off and opened the hood, and it was full of smoke! At least, I thought it was smoke. And it was stinky, too! But the oil was cool to touch, as was the blade and the stone. So I'm guessing it was atomized oil, not smoke. So now my question: does anyone else using this oil have the smokey experience like I did? Or maybe it's just dust from the green rock I was cutting? Or does this stuff have a 75 degree flash point? Snuffy - I remember you saying you used this same oil - any comment on my experience? Thanks. Signed, confused in South Texas :help: Tom
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,484
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Post by Sabre52 on Nov 10, 2010 15:58:19 GMT -5
In my own experience, I found 32 weight hydraulic oil too viscous for use in my 20" saw. It quickly suspends the grit removed form the cuts and creates drag in the cut eventually causing the blade in my case, to bind. As friction in the cut increases, so does heat resulting in burning oil. Got a buddy who has a 36" drop saw and uses that oil just fine so maybe it was just my saw. I don't know but I had to go to a much lighter weight oil for proper performance. Ten inch saws can be cooled with almost any oil because there is simply less blade to rock contact in the smaller cuts so they don't bind as bad. Heck, I leave my oil in the ten inch till it looks like chocolate pudding. it gets hotter but still doesn't bind as long as the blade is sharp. That's why I love 10 inch saws and think they are the easiest to use....Mel
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Post by texaswoodie on Nov 10, 2010 16:18:50 GMT -5
I use 5W20 hydraulic oil. It works great and was on sale at tractor supply for $26 for 5 gals. Never have had a problem with it.
Curt
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snuffy
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2009
Posts: 4,319
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Post by snuffy on Nov 10, 2010 16:35:36 GMT -5
Tom,sometimes when I open it up immediately during cutting it has the haze,I guess its atomized oil. No problems with the oil.
snuffy
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Post by tkrueger3 on Nov 10, 2010 16:45:34 GMT -5
Thanks, guys! I'll stop worrying about it, then. I know that the blade is staying cool, as is the stone, so I'll keep on going and make sure to dress the blade frequently.
Snuffy, I did open it up as soon as the blade stopped turning. After I removed the green chunk, I put a good-sized thunderegg half in it. I let it go all the way, then waited about 5 minutes to open it up. There was just a little haze, but that's all. And a perfect cut.
Curt, next time I'll try to find some of that 5W20 hydraulic oil.
Thanks for all your help!
Tom
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agatemaggot
Cave Dweller
Member since August 2006
Posts: 2,195
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Post by agatemaggot on Nov 10, 2010 18:02:02 GMT -5
That HAZE in the saw is most likely oil MIST !
DON"T BREATH IT !
It can be eliminated by going down to your local Automotive store and picking up a bottle of NO-SMOKE.
A couple ounces should stop the HAZE. You could ask Catmandewe how much he uses in his larger machines.
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Post by tkrueger3 on Nov 10, 2010 18:32:05 GMT -5
Thanks - I did not know that. I'll go and see if any of the parts stores around here carry it. "No-Smoke"!!! I still learn something new every day, in spite of my age. Of course, I can't remember most of what I learn ...... Tom
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Nov 10, 2010 18:32:54 GMT -5
Does that mix in hydraulic fluid well?
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Nov 10, 2010 21:56:27 GMT -5
I agree that it is oil mist. I get that with light weight oils, too. I use Bardahl No Smoke (available at Wally World), but I still get some misting on my 18" saw. There is no way you're getting dust with all that oil, unless you're cutting dry.
Chuck
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Post by tkrueger3 on Nov 10, 2010 23:51:39 GMT -5
Yeah, I pretty much decided it was oil mist, due to no heat, and the saw and stone are totally drenched in oil - I have the sump filled up to where the bottom 1/2" to 3/4" of the blade is down in it, so I know for sure it's not cutting dry. So, I have 2 major points from this discussion - I need to get 5W20 hydraulic fluid next time, and I need to find some Bardahl No-Smoke. Thanks for all the info, folks - I really appreciate being able to draw on this store of knowledge and experience. Makes the hobby a lot more fun! And, maybe, sometimes I can even contribute a tidbit or two. Tom
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Post by Woodyrock on Nov 11, 2010 1:43:13 GMT -5
Tom:
Use one bottle per five gallons of oil.
Woody
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Nov 11, 2010 17:06:01 GMT -5
Tom: I think you're using too much oil. You really only need the last 1/4" in the oil, otherwise you're liable to be throwing a lot around (and maybe creating more mist as a result).
Chuck
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Post by tkrueger3 on Nov 11, 2010 23:02:15 GMT -5
Oh, I agree, Chuck - I didn't intend to empty the whole 5 gallons in. I'm not as strong as I once was (Hey - reminds me of a country and western song!) so I grappled the bucket up onto the saw and set it with the spout hanging over the other end of the vise. It was working just fine, when the phone rang, and ...... well, shoot! ;D Tom
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Post by catmandewe on Nov 11, 2010 23:13:45 GMT -5
Won't hurt nothing, I keep adding fresh oil to the sludge so I can cut longer before cleaning. One of my saws has about 5" of the blade down in the oil, still runs fine! I always put the cleaning off, but then when I get down to it and clean it, it is never as bad as it seems. I have never used hydraulic fluid so I cannot comment on that.
Tony
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