"TMN" wrote in message
...
Hi

I upgraded to Rong Fu 7x12 band saw - what a pleasure compared to a
4x6 !! - I just played with the adjustable hydraulic cylinder last
night - wife thought it strange !!!

The saw has been standing for a long time and the coolant tank is
lined with a sticky,greasy brown muck - any tricks to clean it out
easily the hole the pump fits into is quite small.

thanks
Tim

As a suggestion, you might contact a local machine tool and supply
dealership.. They often offer chemical coolants, along with a chemical sump
cleaner. The solution is added to clean water (hot works faster) in the
sump, and circulated until the crud has been well dissolved. That will
solve the riddle nicely. If it's quite badly encrusted, you may have to
repeat the application.

Should you discover the sump has previously contained oil----you may be able
to dissolve the mess with Stoddard solvent, or common mineral spirits.

Do clean the sump until all crud has been removed, which will help prevent a
stinking sump in the future. You might also prepare an aeration device
once you have installed new coolant. A small air compressor and stone such
as might be found in a fish aquarium would serve adequately. It takes very
little. Keeping the coolant aerated will help prevent sump bacteria and
prolong its useful life. Keeping tramp oils out is also very helpful.

Luck!

Harold