Loc-Line coolant system

[John Rudd]

Any thoughts on the Loc-Line coolant piping system?
I already have a coolant system for my lathe/mill but the bendy neck isnt so bendy at times  (its one of the mag based items with a Chromed hose)

I'm thinking of buying a flexible hose assembly made by Loc-Line, I'd heard of other makes but had reservations on the quality, especially leaking joints...

Care to share your experiences on this line of merchandise?
I believe a member on here has some for sale on a well known auction site..

[rotorhead]

Hi John,

I can really recommend 'LocLine', don't be tempted to get the cheap far eastern equivalent. Apart from the non interchangeability, I have both so speaking from experience, the cheap ones tend to leak from many of the joints, whereas Locline does not.

Rotagrip do reasonably priced kits on ebay, either 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4", I use 1/2" both on the miller and on the lathe, you get several sized nozzles and taper pipe-screw fittings as well.

I have both machines coupled up to the same coolant system, the pump is of the central heating circulating type, based in the lathe motor housing, it the feeds the miller off the lathe feed, the miller drains into the lathe tray, to return to the lathe tank.

A few pics will illustrate.....


Chris

[John Rudd]

Chris,

Thanks for the endorsement...

Looks like I'll be buying soon..

[Stilldrillin]

John.
We used LocLine pipework on the mills, when I worked for a living......

The original sections were adapted over many years, and different machines.
Gave no problem or leakage, unless actually damaged by cutter contact/ crushing etc.

David D

[Jonny]

The chines/asian are interchangeable with Locline i am currently using the two together on the lathe. Its hard to tell the difference and can only tell by the colour caught in the right light apart from the registered trademark.

Best thing about them they can be made up to any length.
Worst thing is accurate positioningie to move over say 1mm end up trying several times to get some where near.
The flexi chrome things much better with a tap on.

[rotorhead]

Hi Jonny,

No criticism implied or intended, but there must be various far eastern makes, because the ones I have certainly don't mix.

I tried to use the 1/4" tap of f/e make, with the 1/4" Locline but there was a big difference in size, so much so that a straight push together met with no resistance.

I was trying to set up a new system on my saw, with a magnetic base type installation.

Chris

[Jonny]

Have i think three Locline plus additional straight lenghs.
Unknown at the time i was fooled and bought a chinese knock off and used the straight lenghs in line with genuine Locline. Later took the risk and ordered another from Rotagrip, just a slight colour difference, ones lighter than the other.