Pier 9: Cutting Fluid Button

This robot will automatically dispense cutting fluid at the touch of a button. It can be permanently attached to a drill press table, be modified for other machines, or a portable version would be cool too.

Materials

+ Peristaltic Pump and Hose (these can be found for less than $20, or you can 3D print one!)

+ Power Supply for Pump

+ Button

+ Wire, solder, heat shrink tubing

+ Jar for Cutting Fluid

+ Clamp

+ Solid Core Wire (to make a bendable tube holder)

+ Scrap Wood, Plumbers Tape, & Screws

Tools

+ Saw

+ Drill

+ Soldering Iron

+Pliers, Cutters, Screw Driver

+ Sand Paper if you're feeling fancy.

Drill two holes in a block of wood that you deem fit for a button holder.

The first hole is for the button, and it should be the right size to fit your button. This hole should pass all the way through the block of wood.

The second hole should come in from the side, and should run into the first hole, only passing half-way through the block of wood.

If you're feeling fancy, you may wish to sand this button holder.

Pass your wire through the second hole, and push it up through the first hole you drilled.

Solder your wire to the button. Adding heat shrink tubing is a good idea, this will help prevent the button from shorting out.

Pull the wire as you push the button into the hole.

Make sure you leave enough wire to comfortably place the button.

There are lots of ways this pump can be mounted. In this example, it is fixed to a piece of plywood, and mounted above the surface of the table. This prevents metal swarf and sawdust from getting in the motor.

Solder your motor, power source, and button together. The motor and button should be in series, otherwise the button won't button.

This glass jar works great as a fluid container. A bit of plumbers tape is used as a mounting fixture to prevent the jar from falling.

Insert the one tube into the jar.

A clamp with twisted solid core wire will hold the other end of the tube, allowing you to dispense cutting fluid in exactly the right spot at the touch of a button.

If you're looking for a good reason to drill a bunch of holes in metal, check out my other instructable about open source chair brackets. https://www.instructables.com/id/WikiSeat-A-Catalyst-for-DIY-Seating/