Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Using a porter cable router to cut aluminum

Of course the best way to prove anything is try it. But, I would think that the router spindle speed would be way too fast, even with a 1/4" cutter you'd need to be well under 2000 Rpm. A friend with a cabinet shop called me one day for assistance and he was attempting to machine UHMW (polyethylene) in a big gantry router and it was just burning up the material. It didnt matter what speeds, feeds, coolant methods or cutters we used. The spindle was just too fast. Thinking back, I worked in a shop where they routered aluminum. They were radiusing the edges of these large plates. It was just a table with a router below. How well it worked I dont recall. I never used it myself. I would be very careful with it. Press "cycle start" and run like hell :-)

Ron


camfambmw540 <jcameron@...> wrote:
Hi all, new to the group...seems like a very excellent group :-)

My name is John; I live in the Chicago area. I have a nice compound
milling table that I would like to use in a very simple cnc setup.
My plan is to fabricate a very sturdy z axis for a porter cable
router (1.75 hp), use the compound milling table as my x-y axis. I
have 2 nema34 173 oz in stepper motors for the xy, still have yet to
get the z motors. I also have yet to get the controllers or power
supply. I have a 1 GHz pc dedicated to my shop needs.

I plan on cutting odd shaped holes (1.5"x2.5") into 1/4 and 1/2 inch
6061 aluminum. I also would like this setup to be able to assist me
in making a much better cnc sysem (when wife approved funds become
available).

Question: Does anyone see flaws in my idea? Will I be able to cut
holes of this size in aluminum (if I go slow and keep lubricant
constantly sprayed on the metal)? Any suggestions on how to
fabricate a z axis that will hold a porter cable router (simple
plans??)

Thanks all...sorry for such newbie questions




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