Octopus Ink Cutting Fluid by Aronson Racing Lab

Good fabrication starts with sharp tools, proper cutting speeds, and the right lubrication. Octopus Ink is a metalworking cutting fluid developed for fabricators, machinists, and anyone who expects their cutting tools to perform.

Formulated to provide lubrication directly at the cutting edge, Octopus Ink is designed to reduce friction, assist with heat management, and improve cutting performance during drilling, tapping, threading, and hole saw operations.

Its distinctive black formula is designed to cling to cutting tools without requiring excessive application. A little goes a long way, provided you're using your equipment correctly. No cutting fluid on the planet is going to compensate for a dull tool, improper speed, or someone who thinks maximum RPM solves every problem.

• Developed for drilling, tapping, threading, and hole saw operations
• Designed to reduce friction at the cutting edge
• Intended to improve cutting performance and tool life
• Formulated to cling to cutting tools and reduce unnecessary runoff
• Suitable for manual and machine-operated metalworking applications
• Supplied in an 8 oz squirt bottles
• Developed and tested at Aronson Racing Lab

Instructions for Use

Drilling Operations

1. Select the Correct Drill Bit: Ensure the drill bit is suitable for the metal being drilled. Follow the appropriate cutting speeds and feed rates for the material, drill diameter, and cutting tool.

2. Use Your Equipment Correctly: Setting your drill press to its highest speed, applying maximum pressure, or squeezing the trigger all the way down on your cordless drill might get you through one hole faster. It sure as hell won't help you drill a bunch of holes efficiently. Excessive speed and improper feed rates generate unnecessary heat and accelerate tool wear. Use the dang tools correctly.

3. Inspect and Sharpen the Drill Bit: Ensure the cutting edges are sharp and properly ground. If necessary, sharpen the bit using a suitable grinding stone or belt sander while maintaining the proper cutting geometry. Don't know how to sharpen a drill bit? I can't help you there. Buy a new bit.

4. Determine Lubricant Coverage: Take the thickness of the material being drilled and add 1 inch. This measurement determines the approximate length of the drill bit that should be coated with Octopus Ink.

5. Apply Octopus Ink to the Drill Bit: With the drill stopped, coat the measured length of the drill bit with a thin, even layer of Octopus Ink. The fluid is designed to cling to the cutting tool, and rotation during cutting helps distribute the lubricant. The bit does not need to be dripping or completely drenched. It simply needs sufficient coverage.

6. Lubricate the Material: Apply a small amount of Octopus Ink directly to the metal at the intended drilling location or around the opening of an existing hole.

7. Begin Drilling: Drill the material using the appropriate cutting speed and feed rate. Monitor lubricant coverage and cutting conditions throughout the operation. Octopus Ink should remain wet at the cutting edge. When properly applied and maintained, this is what the procedure is intended to accomplish.

8. Reapply for Thicker Materials: When drilling material thicker than 0.375 inch (3/8 inch), periodically retract the drill bit, stop the machine, and reapply Octopus Ink as necessary. This helps maintain lubrication deeper into the hole and assists with chip removal.

9. Complete the Operation: Continue drilling while monitoring cutting performance, chip evacuation, and lubricant coverage. Reapply as necessary to maintain a wet cutting edge.

Tapping & Threading Die Operations

1. Select the Correct Tap or Die: Ensure the tap or threading die is appropriate for the material, thread size, and threading operation. Use a sharp, properly maintained cutting tap or a suitable forming tap. Don't be a dumb**s. Starting with a damaged or incorrect tool is a good way to ruin the part.

2. Prepare the Hole or Material: Verify the correct tap-drill diameter for cutting taps or the required hole diameter for forming taps. These are not necessarily the same. For external threading, prepare the material to the appropriate diameter and provide a suitable lead-in chamfer.

3. Lubricate the Hole: Apply a small amount of Octopus Ink directly into each hole before beginning the tapping operation.

4. Lubricate the Tap or Die: Apply Octopus Ink evenly to the working surfaces of the tap or threading die. All cutting edges or forming surfaces should be wet with lubricant but do not need to be dripping.

5. Cut or Form the Threads: Begin threading using proper tool alignment and the correct procedure for the selected tap or die. For cutting taps and dies, manage chip evacuation as required. Forming taps displace material rather than producing cutting chips and require the correct hole preparation.

6. Reapply as Necessary: Maintain adequate lubricant coverage throughout the threading operation. For deeper holes or extended threading operations, stop and reapply Octopus Ink as necessary.

7. Repeat: Continue the process for each hole or threaded component, ensuring the working surfaces remain lubricated.

Application: Suitable for cutting taps, forming/roll taps, and threading dies when the tool and workpiece material are compatible with the lubricant.

Hole Saw Operations

1. Select the Correct Hole Saw: Ensure the hole saw is appropriate for the material being cut. Verify that the teeth are sharp, the pilot drill is properly installed, and the tool is in good working condition.

2. Use the Correct Cutting Speed: Follow the recommended cutting speed and feed rate for the hole saw diameter and material. Running a dull hole saw at maximum RPM isn't going to make you a better fabricator. This product is a cutting lubricant. It will not make a dumb*** a smart person.

3. Lubricate the Material: Apply a light coat of Octopus Ink directly to the material where the hole will be cut.

4. Lubricate the Cutting Edges: With the hole saw stopped, apply a thin, even coat of Octopus Ink to the cutting teeth around the entire circumference of the hole saw.

5. Lubricate the Interior: Apply a small amount of Octopus Ink around the walls of the interior cutting area of the hole saw to provide additional lubricant as the tool advances through the material.

6. Begin Cutting: Cut the hole using the appropriate speed and feed rate. Maintain steady, controlled cutting pressure while allowing the teeth to do the work.

7. Monitor and Reapply: Monitor cutting conditions and lubricant coverage. Periodically retract the hole saw to clear accumulated chips. Stop the machine and reapply Octopus Ink as necessary to keep the cutting edges wet.

8. Complete the Cut: Continue until the hole is completed. Remove the material slug and clean excess lubricant and chips from the workpiece and cutting tool.

Important Information

FOR METALWORKING APPLICATIONS ONLY. Octopus Ink is developed for drilling, tapping, threading, and hole saw operations. Proper cutting speeds, feed rates, tool selection, and cutting-edge condition are essential for satisfactory performance.

Octopus Ink is a cutting lubricant, not a substitute for proper machining practices. Lubricant requirements and material compatibility vary with the operation. Verify suitability before use on unfamiliar materials or specialized cutting tools.

Safety: Always wear appropriate eye protection when machining. Keep hands, clothing, rags, and applicators away from rotating cutting tools. Stop the machine before manually applying additional lubricant. Properly secure workpieces and remove chips using suitable tools, never your fingers. Follow equipment manufacturer instructions and applicable shop safety procedures.

Developed and Tested at Aronson Racing Lab.