For general hogging I use a 1/4" HSS high helix 2 flute 0.100" deep, 50% chip load at 20 IPM at 4800 RPM. For 100% chip load I slow it down to 10 IPM. I also use a 3/16" HSS high helix 2 flute quite a bit, but I have to run it at 0.050" or so deep 50% chip load at 10-15 IPM otherwise the flexing in my Taig makes for a sloppy cut. For 100% chip load I have to slow it down to 5-6 IPM.
I have not tried carbide yet simply because they say they actually cut nicer at double the feed of HSS. I'm afraid my machine just can't handle that type of force, so I stick with HSS. I have thought of making a new head and spindle assembly to get some more rigidity out of it, but haven't done anything yet. I also run flood coolant which helps with removing the chips and keeping things nice and cool when making heavy cuts. |