Hey fellow oxers… Just curious wat type of bits u r using for aluminum cutting. I have read nothing over 2 flute but have seen 3 flute aluminum specific Mills and some people even using 4 flute. Which everywhere I have read 4 flutes r a no no in aluminum as they get clogged up easily. First bits I ordered were single flute Mills by micro100 but not real happy with them can’t get a decent cut above 10ipm and only able to take 0.02 doc… Any suggestions including links would be helpful
Look here for a place to start: https://plus.google.com/111137178782983474427/posts/KyuqqezxTnn
Have already looked thru that but thank u.
Use a single flute end mill. Carbide is where I personally like to be but not a must. Go short as you can based on material. I personally like 4mm diameter. Use the chart Eric suggested and you have reviewed. Talk to Alex Krause.
Thanks Brandon I currently use single flute carbide Mills in both .125 and .25 runnin max spindle speed on my 400w spindle. I’m sure I was fighting some sloppiness last time I gut aluminum but even after fixing all that I still couldn’t get very decent cut
Link to a pic of the edge on a peice I cut http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t409/Travis_Messamer/Mobile%20Uploads/0614161425.jpg
Photo not linking. Here is the reason I like the 4mm, not saying it will make a commercial quality cut, 1/8" deflects at the RPM range you need to run, 1/4" is a bit much for the 400 concerning torque.
Hmm ok was hoping to avoid having to buy a new collet as well as end mill
Here are my new cnc plates being cut with a single flute at 100ipm, 1/16th DOC. I can cut 0.2mm at 1500mm/min with my OX (acme Z, 3 wheel pairs. 4 flute 3.2mm bit at 16k RPM) but I know my new machine (c beam axis) will do much better.