Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: End mills or cutters for CNC Router

Hi Jack and all:
     For you folks with small machines is you use a larger cutter with a small shank you can cut a smoother surface and have wider step over in your CAM program.  For example I located a 3/4" diameter ball nose end mill with a 1/2" shank at MSC (MSCdirect.com).  It's Item #45549680  for $62.12 each made by Niagara a good mfg.  Niagara part #88017  They have them on backorder now but list this number to call 1-800-645-7270  I hope this help you Jack and others.
                                                              GOD'S BLESSINGS
                                                                Bill Thomas

On Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:38:13 -0000, Jack Mc Kie wrote

> Bill,
>
> Actual programing isn't an issue as the CAM can be configures to compensate for any common cutter.
>
> Main consideration is the cutter or end mill and how well it cuts the wood. I am planning on purchasing a few cutters and want to get the right thing. Most of the carbide end mills I see don't mwention the grade of carbide.
>
> Jack
>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "William Thomas" <wthomas@...> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Jack and all:
> >      If you are using a good high speed router the it will pay you to use carbide cutters of the proper grade carbide.  On some of the scales it is the # 1, 2, 0r 3 grade which is better for abrasive material.  You also could use a square cutter for roughing but you would use a different program.  If you used a CAM program that was what the trade calls a water line program ( just like the shape of a water line on the hull) you could lie to the computer about the cutter diameter by double the  amount you want to leave for finish.  This way you would have a pattern of steps up the side of the hull.  I don't know about using the same CAM program for a ball nose cutter as it would have to compensate what part of the ball you was cutting at the level of the plane.
> >                                                            GOD'S BLESSINGS
> >                                                                 Bill Thomas
> >
> > On Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:30:42 -0000, Jack Mc Kie wrote
> > > I recently finished building my 42"X16"X6" cnc router. This router was built primarily for making model boat hull patterns. I have experience with cnc mills for metal work but this is my first experience with a cnc router cutting wood.
> > >
> > > I digitized a 1891 hull design using Rhinoceros 4. Boat hulls are generally speaking organic shapes with all surfaces being curved. I have cut three with pretty nice results using a 1/2" HSS ball end mill.
> > >
> > > I am wondering what end mill is best for routing out these hulls. As it is I am horizontal roughing and paralell finishing with the same ball end mill. Parallel finishing passes are at 1/16" intervals.
> > >
> > > Although I have been using a ball end mill I am wondering if a standard flat end mill would work as well or better?
> > >
> > > Any insight about cutters/end mills in routing would be appreciated.
> > >
> > > TIA,
> > >
> > > Jack
> > >
> > >
> >
> > --
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> >
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>

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