30"+ work space low cost diy CNC router parts kits?

[louieatienza]

Do you have a preferred alloy for CNC machining? I.e. One that machines easiest and produces the best looking finish.

Just did this last week in 6061 for a friend... The surfacing pass was just quick; as he said he would polish it up after.

[1Jumper10]

How long did it take?
What bit did you use and how fast did you go?
I just cut some of the same stuff today and it took some errors before I got it working on. I used a 6mm single flute bit.

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[louieatienza]

How long did it take?
What bit did you use and how fast did you go?
I just cut some of the same stuff today and it took some errors before I got it working on. I used a 6mm single flute bit.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

For surfacing I used a 3/4" insert mini-face mill. Unfortunately, I forgot the insert radius when I set up the job, so it left a faint ridge, will is being polished out anyway.

For pocketing I used a 1/8", 2-flute coated SGS carbide endmill designed for aluminum. I could have cleared it out with a larger endmill but this allowed me to leave the machine to work while I did other things. I did a rough pass at 15% stepover and .065" DoC at 32ipm, leaving .01" all around, then did a finish pass bottom and side at 24ipm, and I believe 60% stepover. The whole process took a little over an hour - there are 28 pockets there, .250" depth....

[Goemon]

Just did this last week in 6061 for a friend... The surfacing pass was just quick; as he said he would polish it up after.

Nice looking work!

I have been looking out for some good deals on aluminum slabs that are big enough for my molds. They get pricey once you get above a certain size but hopefully it will make up for the price in greater efficiency and longevity of the tool.

How do you cool the aluminum while it's being cut? Whenever I cut aluminum with my angle grinder or my router, it heats up very quickly. Does your machine apply cooling solution?

[ger21]

If you cut it at the correct feedrate and rpm, it won't get much more than just warm. I've cut quite a few aluminum parts, with no coolant, and they've never gotten more than just a little warm.

[louieatienza]

Nice looking work!

I have been looking out for some good deals on aluminum slabs that are big enough for my molds. They get pricey once you get above a certain size but hopefully it will make up for the price in greater efficiency and longevity of the tool.

How do you cool the aluminum while it's being cut? Whenever I cut aluminum with my angle grinder or my router, it heats up very quickly. Does your machine apply cooling solution?

Gerry is correct. My parts don't get nore thab warm, and I can even grab the tool after the job. You want the CHIPS to get hot, that's how you know you're drawing heat away from tool and part. I use WD-40 mist, only as lubricant. I climb cut only, which produces better finishes since it moves the chips AWAY from the cut path, and increases the life of the tool...