I realized I'd been ignoring my coolant concentration for months after a $500 spindle repair.

The tech pointed at the rust on the collet and asked when I last checked it with a refractometer, and I honestly couldn't remember.

3 comments

3 Comments

milascott1mo ago

Set a phone reminder to check it every Monday. That simple habit saved my next spindle.

lunar211mo ago

Seriously, that's such a good idea. I always forget the small stuff until it's too late. @milascott is totally right about making it a weekly habit. It's those little reminders that stop a small problem from turning into a huge headache later. Why is it so hard to remember the simple things? What do you set reminders for?

kelly_craig1mo ago

Yeah, that rust is a killer wake-up call. I keep the refractometer right on top of the coolant tank now, so I literally can't miss it. Every Friday before I shut down, I do a quick check and top off with concentrate if it's low. It takes two minutes and it's way cheaper than letting things rot out from the inside. That $500 sting is a good teacher, but setting up a spot for the tool makes it automatic.

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