Currently when the machine runs, I get a constant slow leak down the left front corner of the Solo.
I’ve tried reducing the flow dramatically, and aiming away from that side, but still I get a puddle each time.
Is there a spot that folks have discovered that I can chase down with RTV? I’m thinking the ends of the screws in the upper door?
Second drip comes from opening the door, even straight vertically after a job, or for a tool-change. I spray down from the top to remove most of the coolant coating the upper door, but then there is always some left, and it entrains to fall just on the outside of the lower door. So close, but not there. I’m thinking of mounting some kind of gutter to the upper door to get the drips to fall inside. Has anyone else tackled this with some success?
This is something we are actively working on resolving. While we work out some solutions, a good starting point is to understand where the cutting fluid is actually traveling with the door closed.
In the picture below, which route do you think the cutting fluid is traveling along?
If it seems like the fluid is running under the sheet metal, the first thing to try us making sure there is sealant where the sheet metal curves upwards, as well as where the two edge pieces meet.
Otherwise, if it seems like the fluid is running on top of the sheet metal, we will have to get back to you with more steps to try as we are still working on resolving the issue.
Excellent. Thanks for your quick response. The fluid seems to be moving on the top of the sheet metal, not in-between, and the sealant seam seems to be intact both at the curve and where the edge pieces meet.
I did not get the front-drip phenomena this time, but it looks imminent, as there is a drop forming above where the edge pieces meet. I presume when the volume increases, the drip will bridge the two edge pieces and continue down the front corner.
Upon further examination, I saw that the drip originates from what looks like a drainage hole in the upper door, and it happens on both sides. This makes me wonder if I should go after the glass/metal corners or the exposed screw bodies, or unfilled screw holes on the inside of the upper door?
Q’s out today, but should be able to get back to you early next week.
I’ve spoken with an engineer about your issue and we believe that those drips are behaving as intended and are not the source of your issue. Those drainage holes are where coolant that makes its way between the sheet metal and the glass end up, but that lip on the door should have a big enough gap to drain back into the machine (which seems to align with the fact that you aren’t seeing the front drip currently).
We believe that the main source of coolant that makes its way over the top of the sheet metal is from coolant that is directed at the back edge of the door. The coolant directed at that part of the door can shoot through as there is no seal and can sometimes run all the way down to the front of the machine or even out the side. Unfortunately, I don’t have a solution for you currently, but maybe you can try to avoid spraying that part of the door and see if it makes an improvement.
Based on your observation and John’s response above, I think the solution is a better seal where the back edge of the door meets the main body of the machine. We have some ideas on how to achieve this, but have not had a chance to test them yet.
If you want to try to seal that location yourself, the simplest option we have discussed so far is using a bulb seal like this one. I would adhere it to the back edge of the door (see picture below) in a way that causes the seal to just barely squish when the door is closed.
Ok. I applied the seal. It seemed to work as intended. I was glad to cover over a couple of open threaded holes beneath it in the process.
I ran the machine for about 20 minutes with a 3/8" bit at 5k.
In the third image, you can see it kept the side of the machine dry as intended.
However, the drip is still there, running down the front of the machine. It seems like the culpirit may be in that there is a drip forming in front of the skirt, on the door, then it migrates down the front of the machine. The second drip, to the right, happened after the door is opened. Would be nice to handle that someday, as well, so that I could tool change without consequences, but that’s secondary.
Thank you for the update, Chris! Glad to hear the side drips were resolved.
We are still looking into this and will keep you and this thread updated as we recommended solutions.
In the meantime, if it helps at all, we have found that using one of these mats works really well for catching the drips and keeping the bottom of shoes from getting wet.
Ok. I’m getting the mat. (are these affiliate links?) : )
Also, I smeared RTV over the existing screw holes in the metal front panel. Tuesday I’ll know more if that slows things down.
RTV covering all the screw holes below spindle height made no difference. Coolant still makes its way to the outer corner and down the front.
Is there an 0-ring on the inside of the glass in the enclosure?
I can see evidence of one on the outside…
I am eyeing the glass to metal interface now.
