Vegetable oil as a cutting oil for machining?

[Frank S]

I have never used any of the animal fats or vegetable oils for coolant and lubrication in machining, mainly because for the past 35 to 45 years I have always kept Chevron soluble oil B or another brand on hand But mostly the Chevron product. The mix ratios can vary from 15 to 1 to 50 to 1 depending on application. When I had several machines running more or less constantly I bought it by the 55 gal drum Now I only keep a 5 gal pail on hand I've had the same pail for over 3 years, @ $70.00 to 80.00 per pail it is the cheapest solvent or lube I've found Since currently none of my machines have flood or spray units working on them I just mix up a 2 ltr. drink bottle with a small hole in the cap