Re: CNC Router/Mill
 

I forgot to check the spindle, but the ways still have scrap makers left on them (even though its worn more in the middle of the ways there still easy visible).

Re: CNC Router/Mill
 

1) Carbide is generally run 400% faster than HSS. Note that this applies to spindle speed only.

2) McMaster item 1324K52. Any kind of mister is going to make a mess, and it is VERY bad to breathe in the mist. Be careful if you get one.

3) McMaster item 11365K63 is made by the company that makes the misters, for their own product.

Re: CNC Router/Mill
 

Thanks Cory,

Since Carbide runs 400% faster, what feed and speed rate do you use on aluminum. What is another alternative to a mister.

-RC

Re: CNC Router/Mill
 

our spindle goes to 10,000 rpm. I run it at 10,000 RPM for just about any size end mill in aluminum. Most carbide end mills are recommended to be ran at 1000-2000 SFM which works out to close to 10,000 or more for anything under 1".

Feed rate is entirely dependent on the cutting conditions as well as cutter type. The cutting tool manufacturer should have information for SFM and chipload for all their cutting tools.

The only other alternatives are flood coolant and just a plain air blast. I wouldn't use flood coolant because it'll make a huge mess on an unenclosed machine. An air blast will help clear chips but won't do anything to lubricate the tool. That's not an issue with most materials, but can be for aluminum.

Re: CNC Router/Mill
 

At the shop that I worked at over summer used a flood coolant method and it worked beautifully, but I already tried air blast and with aluminum it just doesn't work. Thanks for the info.

Re: CNC Router/Mill
 

If you're cutting at these speeds in Aluminum, you pretty much need flood cooling... kind of wondering why you need to cut so fast, but, whatever.

My faaaavorite multipurpose flood cooling additive has to be Hocut 795 by a long shot. Looks like milk when mixed properly, minus the bubbles. Very biostable, safe for your hands, works as a tapping fluid as well, good foaming resistance when mixed properly with clean deionized water (pretty cheap at your local Aqua Systems/Culligan store).

Specifically, Hocut 795 -FD, -MPC, or -DC should work for you. You can try other Hocut formulas too, but you can't go wrong with the original. We (Engineering Concepts Unlimited, Inc.) use 795 in our shop.

One final note: Since we switched to Hocut 795, we haven't had to drain and completely swap coolant batches on one of our machines in four years... we've only had to add water and occasionally readjust the coolant mix by adding a additive (only a few ounces are necessary usually... we use a refractometer to check concentration)

-q