Thread cutting oil

[dunedin]

Need to cut some threads into the hard alloy masthead. Have shiny new thread taps - but forgot to get the right thread tapping oil

Will any of the on board stuff work - eg WD40 or ProLube or do I need to go hunt some special oil?

 

[earlybird]

Nothing special needed. Thin oil is fine for hand tapping, it does need some lubrication properties, so perhaps WD40 isn't ideal but better than nothing.

 

[coopec]

I just did a google
http://forums.mtbr.com/tooltime/alternatives-cutting-fluid-288401.html
Unemployed Mechanic says
"For simple hacksaw cutting, any light lubricant is perfectly fine. For non-precision work like that, cutting fluid just extends the life of your hacksaw blade and makes the cutting easier. If the steerer tube is aluminum, then it will be pretty easy without fluid and the blade will just dull a little faster. WD-40 works fine (a good way to use up that extra can lying around the garage, since it has no other use for bicycle repair )

In contrast, a high-grade cutting fluid that is more or less specific to the type of metal your cutting is required for any frame machining job, because the facing and reaming mills are much sharper and leave a very smooth, precision cut. Fluid is needed to dissipate heat that concentrates on the cutting tips of the mill, which would otherwise dull rapidly from the metal work-hardening (typical of most steels) or chip from the galling (aluminum will readily do this). A chipped or dull machining mill can be $100+ down the drain, hacksaw blades are $4-5 a piece.

 

[prv]

I used beef tallow the other day

Pete

 

[prof pat pending]

WD40 is fine for your application

 

[TQA]

I would use engine oil in preference to WD 40.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

3 in 1. Surely got a little plastic can of that somewhere...

 

[nigelmercier]

WD40 is fine for your application

WD-40 a is very poor lubricant. My thread cutting oil is a bit thinner than engine oil and a bit thicker than 3-in-1

 

[VicS]

Need to cut some threads into the hard alloy masthead. Have shiny new thread taps - but forgot to get the right thread tapping oil

Will any of the on board stuff work - eg WD40 or ProLube or do I need to go hunt some special oil?

You dont say what "alloy" but I assume its an aluminum alloy

Paraffin according to my "Intal" drills and taps information booklet

WD40 is said to be mostly white spirit plus a little thin oil so should be fine. Similarly I would think diesel oil

Dunno what your "Prolube" is. It appears to be a brand name encompassing a wide range of oils and greases

 

[PotatoNavigator]

Anything will work, WD 40, Holts pro lube, cooking oil, KY Jelly; doesn't matter for hand tapping. As a preference I tend to use a grease rather than an oil.

 

[Boo2]

Need to cut some threads into the hard alloy masthead. Have shiny new thread taps - but forgot to get the right thread tapping oil

Will any of the on board stuff work - eg WD40 or ProLube or do I need to go hunt some special oil?

AIUI WD40 is largely kerosene which is a recommended cutting fluid for alumium. I've certainly used it in the past with good effect.

Boo2

 

[prof pat pending]

WD-40 a is very poor lubricant.

True enough, but it works very well as a cutting fluid on every type of aluminium alloy I have used it on.
That list is quite extensive, and most of them have included machine tapping rather than just tapping by hand

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

I have used taps dipped into Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly) which, like grease, prevents the swarf from falling into the void below the tapped hole.

I have no use for WD40. (Don't like the smell).

 

[prv]

I have no use for WD40.

I carry it in the Contraption for when the HT leads and spark plugs get wet :encouragement:

Pete

 

[dunedin]

Perfect thanks

 

[syneraida]

any thick oil or grease should be fine, it's only aluminium, just remember to make a quarter back turn and break the swarf regularly and you'll be fine.

 

[Daydream believer]

A candle

 

[Avocet]

You don't really WANT whatever you use to be a good lubricant! You want it to help dissipate heat, and lubricate only just enough to prevent galling. As has been said, paraffin is traditionally used for aluminium alloys.

 

[sailorman]

You don't really WANT whatever you use to be a good lubricant! You want it to help dissipate heat, and lubricate only just enough to prevent galling. As has been said, paraffin is traditionally used for aluminium alloys.

How thick is this aluminium, say 6mm :sleeping:

 

[coopec]

I'm surprised you use engine oil as cutting oil as engine oils stops wear by placing a film between two bit of metal.
This exact question was asked on the Practical Machinist forum and Macon's answer was

Better site for this question:
http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/
But the answer is No. Oil impedes metal on metal contact. You want something that does the opposite.

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/engine-oil-cutting-fluid-178429/