Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Speeds and Feeds

> > I have been working out some speed and feed data for my Sherline 5400
> > mill. Mr Machinist tells me that I need a spindle speed of 6112 for a
> > 3/8" 4 flute end mill with a feed rate of 24 IPM on aluminum.
> >
> > The Sherline is capable of 2700 rpm on the spindle so I assume that
> > since the spindle speed is about 44% of the desired speed of 6112 rpm
> > that my feed rate should also be 44% of the recommended feed rate
> > which would be about 10 or 11 IPM.

These numbers are reasonable, assuming flood coolant, high-grade name-brand
end mills, and a free-cutting alloy like 2024-T6. If the aluminum is NOT
one of the better cutting ones, if you don't have coolant, if these are no-name
Chinese end mills, you will have a puff of smoke and a glob of aluminum
all over the end of your cutter.

One of the tricks is to keep aluminum cool. If the workpiece heats up, the
chips will quickly stick to the cutter, and it is a MESS! If your machine is
not rigid enough, or your workpiece and/or fixturing is not solid enough, you
will have to take light cuts, or slow feeds to keep vibration from developing
or the workpiece from moving. Under these conditions, heat builds up
to a greater extent, and the above mentioned problems get much worse.

Jon