PUT A LID ON IT
When machining on the CNC mill, it’s necessary to blow the flood coolant and chips off the parts for inspection. I tried a tool holder mounted fan, but it wouldn’t get all the chips and coolant out of the deeper areas. Using an air hose nozzle is required. However, no matter how careful I was using the air nozzle, I’d still get splashed with wet chips. Even stretching to reach thru the machine’s narrowly opened cabinet door would often result in a face full of coolant and chips. I simply drilled a 1/4″ hole in the center of a plastic 23″ x 16″ tub lid for the air nozzle to slide thru to make a splash shield. I guide the top edge with my left hand, and hold the air nozzle with my right hand, moving the lid left and right and in and out as needed. The plastic lid doesn’t scratch the work piece and is durable and easy to clean. A magnetic hook on the CNC cabinet keeps it handy, ready to use. I made another for our vat wash-down area’s air hose nozzle for use when cleaning/blowing out bolt holes in blocks, etc.

 Tom Nichols
Automotive Machine & Supply
Joshua. TX 
October, 2022