I bought the the comp cams cutter and guide for machining the guide down on vortec heads. What is the recommended type of fluid or oil to use for doing the machine work. What about a recommended RPM on the drill?

Clyde

Cutting oil.

I'd say less than 1200 RPM; probably more than 500. It would be hard to control the tool very much outside of that range.

Kerosene is also a good lubricant when cutting cast iron.

Cutting cast iron can & is normally done with no cutting oils.
Tapping is a different deal but most cutting operations on cast are done dry including milling, turning, cutting for seats, guide cutting etc.

Originally posted by Wolfplace:
Cutting cast iron can & is normally done with no cutting oils.
Tapping is a different deal but most cutting operations on cast are done dry including milling, turning, cutting for seats, guide cutting etc. You don't want to use oil when you are tapping either. Especially in a blind hole. It will lock up solid so fast you won't believe it. I make that mistake once.

Jeff

One good thing is that cast-iron usually turns to dust so can be blown outta the way.. BUT I wear a dust mask b/c I don't like spitting the darn stuff outta my head for three days or so..

He, He!! Taste's bad too....

Been there, done that, working heads over through the years..

pdq67