Machining Aluminum. 6061 vs 7075 - Your preference is?

[ifeliciano]

I need to make some indicator mounting panels out of .077" aluminum sheet and machine a "detent plate" from 1/2" stock.

Which material would you prefer to machine with your CNCRP router?
6061 or 7075?

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[LeeWay]

Both machine pretty well I think.
6061 is usually cheaper, but 7075 would likely be more durable for the finished product.

[ifeliciano]

Good. Will a squirt of WD40 every so often be enough to keep things lubricated or will I need a dedicated spray mister?
I do need to build a shield to keep the chips from flying everywhere.

[LeeWay]

WD40 will keep the chips from welding usually if you are within the right range. A dedicated mister would surely be nice but depends on how often you want to cut aluminum.
You will absolutely have aluminum chips everywhere if you do not do something about it.

[ifeliciano]

As always, thanks Lee!!

[warrenb]

If you're using a high RPM spindle I would use 7xxx series. 6061 is more likely to melt to the bit at high RPMs. I'm sure people will disagree with that. I don't use WD40 for cutting. I suppose it is OK but it is a pain to clean up. If you're going to cut lots of aluminum in the future invest in a Cool Mist system.

[ifeliciano]

If you're using a high RPM spindle I would use 7xxx series. 6061 is more likely to melt to the bit at high RPMs. I'm sure people will disagree with that. I don't use WD40 for cutting. I suppose it is OK but it is a pain to clean up. If you're going to cut lots of aluminum in the future invest in a Cool Mist system.

Warren,

Thanks for the info. I can get between 8K - 24K with the spindle.