Need Help!- Cutting aluminum mold.

[Sam A]

I have a Practical CNC and want to mill a mold for a boat keel out of aluminum.

Once I finish the 3D bulb, I will cut it in half to subtract the 3D solid from a block.

When generating tool path, what is best tool to do the work with? I have round end 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" bits.

Would I be just as well off with the 1/2 with small steps between passes?

What depth steps? What step overs?

What is the best route to do this?

Thanks in advance.

Sam

[cabnet636]

what software are you using? just how big a mold are you doing? i looked back at your site and looks like you are doing some really cool stuff, you could do this with aspire and just make the two halfs. step over for smooth finish with a ball nose is 10% or less, i would test it first

jim

jim

[Sam A]

Originally Posted by cabnet636 what software are you using? just how big a mold are you doing? i looked back at your site and looks like you are doing some really cool stuff, you could do this with aspire and just make the two halfs. step over for smooth finish with a ball nose is 10% or less, i would test it first jim jim

Jim,

Mold is torpedo shaped with slot cut out of it for the keel fin to fit in. Bulb is 1350 mm long and 212 mm at largest diameter.

I use Bob CAD CAM v 21 and WinCNC with a PracticalCNC Router.

On the step over, 10% of bit width? i.e. with 9 mm bit, step .9 mm?

Thanks for all the comments.

Sam

[cabnet636]

i aalso have bobcad 22 but do not use it (fell in love with vectric quick) and have wincnc, you should have no problem, my only suggestion is get thick pink or blue insulation foam glue laminate it to thickness then test your tool pathing!

jim