Topic: CNCing aluminum

[trenchgrinder750]

I have a nest base cnc and cut mostly plywood, solid wood and acrylic.  From time to time I'm machining aluminum I'm always looking to improve time and quality.  I've found 6061 alloy cuts the best for me from 1/8" to 2".  using onsrud 63-600series 1/8",1/4",3/8" and 1/2"single flute upcut bits and a chipload of .008" with 3/16" passes. 

Am I on the right path? I feel like image 2 can have a better edge.

[Steve F]

Personally, I think .008 is a bit much to expect a good finish. 
Try around half that to make finish passes, and keep your tooling chucked up as short as possible.  It looks like the tool is bouncing giving you the fluted look on the sides.  Rigidity is your friend.

[trenchgrinder750]

Personally, I think .008 is a bit much to expect a good finish. 
Try around half that to make finish passes, and keep your tooling chucked up as short as possible.  It looks like the tool is bouncing giving you the fluted look on the sides.  Rigidity is your friend.

definetly to much vibration.  that was with a 1/2" tool.  I'm going to try a 3/8" with a 5/8" cut length in a shrink fit tool holder and around half the chipload for final pass.  hopefully today, if not, later in the week.


and thank you

[Thekramer666]

Your on the right track now yes small passes for finish and u can usually fly thru them if u wanted too depending on your cutter of course carbide is my go to but $$$ work pays it so not an issue here goodluck

[754]

Use a 2 flute or 4 flute, double or quad  the feedrate.
 Unless your machine weighs at least a ton,  you will probably have rigidity issues, often that can be solved with a light finish cut, climb milling.

[J-Rod10]

I like the OSG 3 flute blizzard cut on alloy. I run it fast and hard.

[trenchgrinder750]

Use a 2 flute or 4 flute, double or quad  the feedrate.
 Unless your machine weighs at least a ton,  you will probably have rigidity issues, often that can be solved with a light finish cut, climb milling.

definetly weighs more then a ton, and sits on 8" slab of cement. 

I like the OSG 3 flute blizzard cut on alloy. I run it fast and hard.

I'm going to try those OSG bits. 

Your on the right track now yes small passes for finish and u can usually fly thru them if u wanted too depending on your cutter of course carbide is my go to but $$$ work pays it so not an issue here goodluck

YEP! bosses CC


I haven't had a chance to try any of this out yet, work will slow down in a week or so. 

[754]

What is a nest base ? Are you talking mill or a router... Show a pic of the head, or give us a model number. I suspect it s maybe a gantry style router....what is the Z travel...approximately..?