Re: Cutting Metals

["Edward Wingate" <ewing7-at-rochester.rr-dot-com> (by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>)]

> Mark B
> Actually water is the best lubricant for drilling and cutting holes in steel
> or aluminum. It lubricates as good as oil, it cools 100 times better,
> (You'll never burn up tools using water), and it does not leave an oily
> mess. If you're worried about rust, just clean up the shavings and hit the
> tools and work with a shot of WD-40 (Water Displacement). (Take it from a 20
> year Navy machinist who is a friend of mine).
> FYI
> 
> Ronn Duke
> (new to the list)
> Dukester-at-home-dot-com

Ronn,

This is way off topic, but as a toolmaker in the metal cutting business
for 30+ years and counting, I have to disagree with your statement.
There are many commercial cutting fluids on the market which are far
superior to water and will actually enhance the cutting speed while
protecting the tool edge and producing a better finish. Straight water
is a very bad choice if you value your investment in machine tools!

Ed Wingate RATCB