Re: Using a porter cable router to cut aluminum

Tyson,

I'm sorry; my last reply missed your question. I answered ENDmill
size, not MILL size...

Sherlines and Taigs and Proxxons, oh my! All these will successfully
cut 1/2 plate aluminum, used sensibly. And MaxNC's are in the same
size range... Thinking that you need a big, heavy, industrial machine
is a trap, IMO.

The "trick" as I mentioned a few posts ago, is much like we had to
learn when 4 cylinder engines replaced our V8's; that is, keep the
speed up; DON'T lug it. Small bites, very fast. This is what will
give you success with small machines.

It pays to remember that a person who has a hammer as his only tool,
sees everything as a nail...

Which means if you've been working with a full-size manual mill, you
probably will bring "what works" with you to the small mill. But like
the small import trucks of the 70's, what works with the big 'uns
DOESN'T necessarily "translate" well.

Hope this helps,

Ballendo

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, Jon Elson <elson@p...> wrote:
>
>
> Tyson S. wrote:
>
> > Good information, what would be the smallest size
> >of end mill machine that you would recommend for a
> >home shop user to work with 1/2" aluminum and the
> >such.
> >
> >
> >
> Well, it depends somewhat on how much speed and accuracy
> you are looking for. We have an Enco 3-in-1 machine at work, and
it
> is awful. Some of the other models with the head that can be
> raised are a little better. I have a mini-mill (sold by nearly
> all the dealers, now, for ~ $399 -499) for demos, and it is getting
> close, but still lacks rigidity. There is a Grizzly machine with
> a dovetail or box vertical column that is supposed to be pretty
> good. If you don't need anything fast, then I think you could do
> your 1/2" plate with that. A client of mine in the area has the
> geared-head version, a little bigger, still. I would definitely
> NOT recommend that model, as it has a 1500 RPM top speed.
> You definitely want to be able to get 2500 RPM, 5000 would
> be even better. An R-8 spindle would be nice, as so much tooling
> is available for it. Otherwise, make sure it has a standard taper,
> so you can get tooling from local suppliers.
>
> Jon