Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Using wood router on aluminum

It's not the RPM, its the surface speed. A 3300 RPM, 10" table saw has a much greater surface speed than a 12000 RPM 1/4" router
bit.
Table saw 10" @ 3300 RPM = 8600SFM
1/4" router bit @ 12000 RPM = 785SFM
I have cut aluminum with a router on several occasions. You have to take light cuts because the router typically can't handle the
side loading, and you do have to watch for clogging. Endmills designed for aluminum will give better results than wood router bits.

Aluminum sheet for aircraft used to be cut this way in production. A wooden pattern with 10 or 15 thin sheets of aluminum. The
router was a pattern router with a big double jointed arm to give ridgidity while the operator cut the shapes.
Check out the book "aircraft sheet metal construction" from Lindsay books, it's great.

cadman@... wrote:

> I would think that the RPM would be too high to go aginst
> aluminum, even for Carbide. I have cut aluminum plate 1/2" thick with
> my table saw and a carbide blade with no problems. If you got a
> router speed control to slow down the RPM and used a carbide bit you
> could do it.
>
> CADMAN
>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "Vic Fraenckel" <vfraenc1@n...> wrote:
> > Is it possible to mill openings in aluminum panels using a wood
> router? If
> > so, are there cutters available to use with the router?
> >
> > Any advice or comments appreciated.
> >
> > Vic
> > ________________________________________________________
> >
> > Victor Fraenckel - The Windman vfraenc1@n...
> > KC2GUI
> www.windsway.com
> >
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