tldr: I added a layer of filter fabric to the Tormach chip filter tray since I’m machining fiberglass and want to filter out the finer glass particles. Read on for more info.
Hi all, I’m Sam, I’m somewhat new here but I’ve been diving deep into using the Tormach.
Recently I’ve been machining G10 which is a form of fiberglass. I have talked to Eric Peterson (who teaches the Tormach classes and oversees the machine) about this and he recommended that I add a finer filter to the coolant chip tray filters to filter out the finer glass particles so I have done this.
I added a layer of basically N95 mask material to the chip filter tray. This will keep the fine glass particles out of the coolant.
I have found that this doesn’t appreciably slow down the coolant flow so ideally I’d like to just keep it in there.
If however you are using a lot of coolant and want it to drain faster you can remove it but I ask that you just make sure that if you are using the machine after me, you wait for the coolant to drain before removing it. That way the coolant that has glass particles in it gets filtered before you remove the fabric. And please put it back in after you’re done with the machine.
I bought a large amount of this fabric so I’ll be changing it out from time to time to make sure it’s filtering properly.
Thanks!
-Sam