Re: orange peel on aluminum

Doug,

Rigidity is relative, of course... But the rf30 is enough of a real
mill that flycutting alum will/should not suffer from the rigidity of
the machine.

HOWEVER, the SETUP of the machine can EASILY create problems with fly
cutting. The head is not "tram-able"(means to set perfectly
perpendicular to the xy travel) without shims on the main column (or
luck<G>)

The z axis lock is marginal, and z backlash (from the factory) is
hideous, IMO. You can even get problems from the bed, if the gibs
are not adjusted properly.

Like many import tools, these are capable of some fine work; but
really require "tuning" (at least) for proper performance.

I agree, we need more info to tell what is meant by orangepeel. The
fiorst thing I thought of was the tering from a dull or "welded tip"
cutter (previously described by others)

Hope this helps.

Ballendo

P.S. There is a yahoo group called milldrill, which has info on these
machines. And again , the 7x10minilathe and my 9x20Lathe y-group(s)
also get into the M/d's from time to time...

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., dougrasmussen@c... wrote:
> George,
>
> There are all kinds of reasons for this condition. You haven't
given
> enough information on your specific cutting situation for a
> definitive answer.
>
> I recall you're the one who asked about getting a mirror finish on
> aluminum, also. You mentioned an RF30 machine which I'm not
familiar
> with, but is probably low quality Asian, so that's where I would
put
> the blame for your problems. My guess is the machine is not rigid
> enough to produce the results you're after.
>
> Have you ever gotten a satisfactory finish with the machine? Or is
> it just this particular piece that's giving you trouble?
>
> Doug