cutting oil for pipe threading

[LutzTD]

I looked and the ridgid brand just says mineral oil. Is the Ridgid oil more than just mineral oil or has anyone tried plain mineral oil for cutting threads? I am using light machine oil but it doesnt seem to work very well and I think my cutter is getting worn. Im going to buy some new cutter inserts but should I pick up the Ridgid brand oil while Im there?

Thanx

 

[NUTTSGT]

I was goingto ask one of my neighbors what he uses when he does pipe work, he'sa plumber. One ofmy other neighbors gave me some Tap Magic and that's what I was going tot use when I replumbed my airlines.

I'd be interested what others are using.

 

[AndyL]

Can I be the first to say, try bacon grease?

Old machinists trick, and makes metal smell good... might also explain my weight issues lol

 

[Kevin C]

In me experiance it should smell bad from the EP additive (sulfur smell). The EP additive helps to keep your cutters sharp.

 

[fatboy99]

Where is the pipe your cutting made LutzTD ? The reason I ask is When I tried to cut some threads in some pipe i got at a big box store it cut horribly. I thought it was the threader I had so I bought a brand new Ridgid and had the same results. The pipe was made in China and instead of cutting it tore raged.When I got some US made pipe it cut smooth and clean and smooth. Just something to check.

 

[AndyA]

Cutting oil does work better than lubricating oils.
I've used the oatley brand from the big box store and it works ok.
I bought a gallon of mobil thread cutting oil. It works a little better. I end up also using it for general cutting on the lathe.
The rigid oil will probably work better than some lubricating oil.

 

[Al Bundy]

Where is the pipe your cutting made LutzTD ? The reason I ask is When I tried to cut some threads in some pipe i got at a big box store it cut horribly. I thought it was the threader I had so I bought a brand new Ridgid and had the same results. The pipe was made in China and instead of cutting it tore raged.When I got some US made pipe it cut smooth and clean and smooth. Just something to check.

I've heard this from more than one other person.

 

[LutzTD]

Where is the pipe your cutting made LutzTD ? The reason I ask is When I tried to cut some threads in some pipe i got at a big box store it cut horribly. I thought it was the threader I had so I bought a brand new Ridgid and had the same results. The pipe was made in China and instead of cutting it tore raged.When I got some US made pipe it cut smooth and clean and smooth. Just something to check.

I dont know the origins of the pipe, I got a smoking deal on around 200 feet of pipe with included fittings. The fittings are very thick but do say "China" on them. the pipe is unmarked. The first few threads were great, no issues with quality just the effort has greatly increased to the point I am putting all my weight on the handle by the time I get to full depth. seems excessive. I bought the Ridgid brand mineral oil thread cutting fluid and a set of new cutter inserts, so I will give feedback once I get them and make a cut with the new cutters installed.

 

[Jimmy_B]

I like a product called 'Cool Tool' for threading applications. Although the suggestions above about the COO make the most sense of your problem as I have not found a huge difference threading with many different oils formulated for that purpose.

 

[BD1]

Here's what we use, RIGID NuClear

http://rigidtoolsonline.com/ridgid-70835-nu-clear-thread-cutting-oil-1-gallon/

 

[kert]

One of my dad's helpers tried WD-40. I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[Steves32]

There's 2 types of pipe cutting oil. Clear & dark.
I've been a plumber for 40 years & I always use dark.