Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Use Router for metal work

I believe that paraffin is the preferred cutting fluid for aluminium.
However, beware of the fire risk. Can anyone comment on WD40 flammability in
this application?

Brian Walsh
Glasgow
Scotland

----- Original Message -----
From: "Les Newell" <les@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2001 12:58
Subject: Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Use Router for metal work


> On aluminium it helps to use paraffin/kerosene as a cutting lubricant to
> stop the swarf from sticking to the cutter. WD40 also works well.
>
> Les
>
>
> >
> > As Doug says, you want to use a small bit at small speed. I have had
> fairly
> > good
> > success with 1/8 and 1/2 inch bits. I have a Hitachi M12V, which
> > has variable speed. When I worked on aircraft, I was suprised to see
> > technicians up on the wing using a router and a template cutting out
> > cracked sections of a wing. The wing was about 1/2 inch thick at
> > that point. They were using a fairly large Makita plunge router and
> > a 1/2 inch bit. One of the guys I worked with told me they would
> > cool the blade with beeswax, which I have tried with no significant
> > improvement. This would have been 7075, so you can cut fairly
> > strong stuff with a sharp bit.
> > Eric
> >
> >
> > > Niyom Racharin wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hello All,
> > > > I am new commer in this field, now I build my own xyz cnc table
> > which
> > > > its working area is 600 x 1200 x 150 mm
> > > > and I mount Makita router N3701 and use it to work on wood and PCB.
> > > > Here is my silly question :=
> > > > If I change the small router to the bigger model such as
> RF1101kit,
> > > > Will it be able to work on a metal such as
> > > > steel , aluminium or copper ? in slow feed rate.
> > >
> > > In general, using routers you want to lower the spindle rpm and
> > > increase the feedrate, to actually cut sizable metal/wood pieces and
> > > get away from just 'rubbing' the cutter. Going to a bigger (more
> > > horsepower) spindle is then a good idea (but you may still want
> > > to reduce the rpm using an electronic variable control). As always,
> > > try to go for a decent feedrate (wood about 150 ipm minimum,
> > > 250-325 is very good, 400 ipm max), and spindle rpm around 18,000
> > > for a 1/4" dia bit, decreasing to 8-12K rpm for a 1/2" bit.
> > >
> > > Your positioning motors have to have a decent amount of power
> > > for this. If you can't go that fast, you can go slower, the only
> > > downside is a faster wearing tool and maybe more smoke in the shop.
> > >
> > > Regarding metal work, the same principle applies, you don't want
> > > to be using a 27,000 rpm bit unless it is 1/8" dia or smaller.
> > >
> > > Again, the bigger router running at lower rpm (with an auxilary
> > > speed control) and faster feed rates is the optimal answer.
> > > Extended to its limit, you end up at a Bridgeport with a 5HP
> > > spindle, fairly low rpms, and a slow feed (due to the slow rpms).
> > > Remember, you want to make chips, not aluminum vapour due to
> > > rubbing caused by inadequate feed or a too-high rpm).
> > >
> > >
> > > Doug Fortune
> > > http://www.cncKITS.com
> > >
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