I always thought coolant was just coolant until I saw the science

Read a thread on Practical Machinist about coolant concentration levels and how even 1% off can mess up tool life. Tested my mix with a refractometer last Tuesday, found it was at 4% instead of 7% like the manual says. Anyone else check their coolant regularly or just wing it?

2 comments

2 Comments

sethp2629d ago

Bet your refractometer was dirty too messing up the reading.

sandra_black29d ago

Did you actually test that theory or are you just guessing? Because dirty refractometers give wonky readings for sure but it usually leans one way or the other depending on what's on the lens. I've seen people swear their tool was clean only to wipe it down and get a totally different number. Not saying you're wrong but dirty equipment alone probably wouldn't mess it up that bad unless it was really crusted over. Calibrating with the wrong solution could do it too, that's another common mistake. Might be worth checking both before blaming the refractometer completely.