Need some help. My aluminum machining success is not too great at the moment and I know it's my feeds/DOC. I'm using 1/4 2flt carbides with depths ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 in 6061 T6. Could someone give me a good starting point? Speed would be nice but the most important thing is to just have one cycle with no surprises :eek:

http://www.tooltech1.com/

At the bottom on the left there is a feed and speed calc. Get a copy of machinery handbook too, there is a great section on speed and feed with all of the calculations. Keep in mind that machine HP has to be factored in at some point if you want to kick the feeds / speeds up in aluminum.

CF

You might want to try going to http://www.niagaracutter.com and visit this page http://www.niagaracutter.com/techinfo/common_mat/6061.html this all the information you should need.

Hope this helps.

Andrew I sympathize with you, I am just beginning to get a grip on the feeds/speeds/doc thing, I try to be conservative since I am not in a production mode though. You did not mention what problems you are having but I have used a load per flute of .0015 with a .125 DOC and 3900rpm in 6061 for a .250 2flute carbide end mill.

Here is a very useful free download if you do not already have it, he is a very nice guy and very helpful as well, spend a little time learning the program and it is quite easy to follow. Specs for drilling, tapping, milling, facing/ reaming etc.
ME Consultant 2.0
http://mrainey.freeservers.com/

Ken