whats a good cutting oil for steel....

[rambin]

I know ive heard wd40 Is great on aluminum but what is good for steel and readily available? preferably something that doesn't smoke the shop up as I like a clean shop! I only have a 10" lathe so I don't need a 50 gallon drum.. im hoping theres something I can get from the local hardware store? whats everyone using?

 

[Doubleeboy]

Threading oil from hardware store, should have sulfur in it. Home Depot stuff works fine if you have one nearby. Mobil makes a good sulfur cutting oil also, available in gallon jugs.

 

[brino]

Check the black-pipe isle at your local hardware store.

I use this:
http://homehardware.ca/en/rec/index.../Ne-67n/Ntk-All_EN/R-I1142043?Ntt=cutting+oil

It's used for threading the black pipe.
I get a little smoke on "hot" cuts, but not a lot.

-brino

 

[EmilioG]

Relton and Mobil 1 and AnchorLube.

 

[rambin]

I use anchorlube on my drill press I like it as its a bit thicker then most cutting oils and doesn't fly all over the place... never thought of it on the lathe.... interesting..

 

[ddickey]

Soluble oil in a spray bottle. Although you probably will not find that locally.

 

[Cooter Brown]

I have been using Mobil 766 for a few years now. You can get from McMaster Carr $15 a gallon. I love AnchorLube for hole saws.

 

[Z2V]

Crisco was mentioned in another thread recently, LOL , the shop smelling like catfish and fries.
I have a jar of Boelube that seems to work well.

 

[middle.road]

Metal working and a clean shop?.... oh-oh.

 

[Ulma Doctor]

Hi rambin,
since i have tried anchorlube, i haven't used anything else on steel or stainless.

i make my on mix of bacon grease and mineral oil, but have not had to in awhile- used for drilling, tapping, turning and milling various ferrous and non ferrous metals.
i have mixed bacon grease and a bit of kerosene with a dash of mineral oil for work in aluminum to good result