User Guide

13
Do I Have to Use Coolant?
No.... BUT... Coolant increases annular cutter tool life dramatically. Hougen offers a
number of different kinds of lubricant depending on the application. RotaMagic™
Concentrated Cutting Fluid is a biodegradable coolant that is mixed with water and used
with a mag drills coolant system. Slick-Stik™ is a waxy lubricant. The user applies a glob
to the inside and cutting teeth. Slick-Stik melts as the hole is made. Good for horizontal
and overhead holes. RotaFoam™ is a foamy spray lubricant that is sprayed onto the cutter
before each hole.
For best results use the mag drills coolant system. Spraying or squirting coolant at the
cutter while it is turning does very little in helping tool life. Most of the coolant is pushed
aside by the chips and flutes before it reaches the cutting teeth.
*** Note: For Hougen drills without coolant bottles... fill the coolant reservoir
through the slots in the arbor. This will hold enough coolant for one hole.
The
#
1
cause of
cutters quickly
dulling is too little
feed pressure.
“Babying” the tool
will only decrease
tool life.
What Causes Dull or Broken Cutters?
The primary cause of broken or prematurely dull
cutters is a feed rate that is too slow. Slow feed
rates will reduce the life of your cutter. Using a firm,
steady feed pressure throughout the cut will
maximize performance and extend tool life. You
want to hear the drill motor working & the cutter
producing long stringy chips that are being pulled
from the hole. Look for a bird’s nest around the
cutter.
Blue Chips = Big Problem
(Something obstructing the coolant system or you’re pushing too hard)
Second reason why cutters break is
movement of the drill or work piece. The
cutter wall can easily be snapped if the drill
and material is not held rigid.
Good Looking Chips ! !
www.hougen.com
Make sure you have the correct cutter for the
material. Stack-Cut for multiple layers.