for aluminum, i have been using mostly 3 flute carbide endmills in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2". for removing material fast, i absolutely love the 1/2" at 4500 rpm, around 30 ipm and .1-.125 depth of cut. it throws a fat rooster tail of chips behind it and leaves a great finish.
before i started using the 3 flute endmills for aluminum, i was using 2 flute carbide atrax from enco. they work great and are much cheaper than the 3 flutes. if i was learning cnc (i still am), i would start with the atrax and buy a bunch when they are on sale. you will most likely chip if not break a few when you are learning.
definatly include enough funds in you machine budget for the full tts set. in my opinion it is a must have. |