Re: Machine flex; How much is to much?

Jon,

I posted the same scenario to the Mill/Drill group regarding cutter
size and material, and received a similar response. I guess I will
have to re-think the type of work that this machine is doing now. You
mentioned that you have used a 1/2" endmill that produced a shift on
a Bridgeport mill. What type or size of a machine can utilize a 1/2"
mill to its capacity? For a mill/drill would you say that 3/8
endmill is small enough to be used to its capacity?

Trevor

> 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