Re: Using wood router on aluminum

Bob,

Have you tried speeding up? This is VERY SLOW for routing alum with
only .100 passes! If you calc the tooth (chip) load, you are rubbing
a lot more than cutting!

Are you using a lube? (mist/flood) Mist can be standing there with a
spray of wd-40, flood can be immersing the part in a baking pan full
of wd or "real" flood solution (soluble oil).

Hope this helps.

Ballendo

P.S. Another "trick" is to use a smaller diameter end mill
and "waste" the middle of the cut at a fairly high speed (you're not
concerned with cut quality at this point). Then come back and cut
with one side or the other of the endmill. MUCH better parts in most
cases. Can be faster too, since the passes are free-er cutting, each
is quicker, for a shorter overall cycle time.

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "Bob Campbell" <bob@c...> wrote:
> John,
>
> I use both. On thin stock, I have used a single flute spiral
carbide wood
> router bit. On think stock up to 1", I have used a 3/8 4 flute tin
coated
> end mill or a .5 inch carbide 4 flute end mill.
>
> On thick material I cut 1/10 inch passes at 10 or 15 inches per
minute.
>
> Bob
<big snip of previous posts>