Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Machine flex; How much is to much?

protman16 wrote:

>Jon,
>
>I normally do rough cuts then go back and finish with one or more
>passes at about 0.010 or less for most jobs. Maybe I should provide
>an example; 1/2" endmill, 0.200 depth of cut, cutting aluminum. Not
>sure of speeds and feeds, but I would say they would be slower then
>ideal.
>
>

1/2" endmill? Getting a 1/2" endmill to do the kind of work it is capable
of on a light weight machine is doubtful. You might plan on using smaller
cutters. When a larger tool like the 1/2" takes a significant bite into the
work, it may deflect the machine enough that it won't return to the same
position. I do this pretty routinely on my Bridgeport, but I really don't
think you want to use a 1/2" cutter on any machine much lighter than that.
(Of course, there are special cases where you use the big cutter for
stiffness when working at the bottom of a pocket, and take very light
cuts with it.)

Jon