Swarf management: coolant flood vs mist, which one is actually better for visibility?

Started running a new job last week on our Haas VF-2, 6061 aluminum, deep pocket work. We had it set up with flood coolant and I couldn't see a thing through the fog, kept stopping to wipe the window and check the tool. Switched to a mist setup for the second part and the difference in visibility was night and day. But now I'm worried about heat buildup in the tool and the part. I know the flood is better for cooling but the mist keeps the cut zone clear and I can actually watch for chip recutting. What are you guys running for aluminum pocket work? Is the tradeoff worth it or am I just making problems for tool life? Has anyone else dealt with this same wall of fog thing?

2 comments

2 Comments

lee.cora1d ago

I run mist on aluminum pockets for exactly this reason, the flood fog is useless when you need to see. Tool life is fine if you keep the air pressure up and use a good tool. Chip recutting is the bigger problem, and mist handles that better anyway.

the_ben1d agoMost Upvoted

...and that reminds me, I tried mist once on a surface grinder and spent an hour wiping down every tool in the shop cause the mist got everywhere, even with the air pressure cranked. Ended up just going back to a squirt bottle for that job, way less mess but you gotta watch the coolant on your glasses.