The shop just got a new VF1 and I am going to use it after hours to do some small engraving projects. It has a 10k spindle. What kind of feeds and speeds can I get away with? I have a pretty good amount of engraving to do and really don't want to be there for days. I will probably use anodized (not hard anodized) 6061 plate. So what kinda RPMs and feed rate can I run? Also does anyone have a suggestion for cutter. I have been told I can just used a #2 center drill but I would prefer to use a real engraving tool since the shop said they would buy it.

Thanks for the help guys.

Micro 100 engravers are the best.I would use max RPM and starting feed 6 ipm.
Then just see how long they last.I think you can go much faster .
I use them on stainless 17-4 PH all the time .MSC has those cutters.

I use 1/4" 2 flute ball end mills and the results are great. In aluminum i run at 7257 rpms @ 44 IPM with a .01 DOC (my VF2 has a 7500rpm spindle). Ball end mills work great for basic text, if you have very detailed engraving to do you might want actual engraving end mills, you just cant run them as fast.

I'm with witomcio in the cutter selection and speed you should be able to feed a bit faster. Experiment with the feed to get the results you want.

I use the micro cutters, I too have a 10,000 spindle and i run my cutter about 20ipm at .007 d.o.c and they come out beautifully. Now i'm no expert i could probably get away with other set-ups but i go with what is comfortable for me at the time being

Where do you guys get your Micro 100 cutters? What width do you use? I am in Nor-Cal (bay area) is there somewhere locally that I can get them? What type do you use?

http://www.micro100.com/ go online and call them, let them know what you want to do and they will help you, i'm in southern cal and i had my cutters within a couple days