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New Project using Aluminum

Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2016 11:12 pm
by GrandpaB
Hello,

I'm planning a new project in which I need to cut some small parts from 1/2" aluminum. I am looking for advice, council, and wisdom. I'm sure that someone out there has had an aluminum project. Yes, I confess I have cut aluminum before, but it was my CNC bed. Now this will be my first project in which I deliberately attempt aluminum. I thought that I will try a 1/4" end mill. Other than that I don't have a clue!

Re: New Project using Aluminum

Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2016 10:43 am
by balbritton
Grandpa B,

I've cut Aluminum many times. All you have to do is adjust some speeds in vCarve. For using a 1/4" endmill, I set my plunge rate to 5, and my Feed Rate to 30. Also, I would change the pass depth to .025, as you wouldn't want your bit plunging in that deep at once (which I've done before :shock: ). Also, make sure you put water on the piece from time to time to cool it down. That's how I do it, I haven't ever had any issues if I set up my tools right in vCarve.

Re: New Project using Aluminum

Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:25 am
by GrandpaB
Brandon,

Thanks, I'll give it a go.

Re: New Project using Aluminum

Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2016 12:27 pm
by rungemach
another suggestion for cutting aluminum is to never plunge straight down into aluminum.
always ramp your cuts, so that the cutter is always moving sideways while descending.