Mild Steel on a cnc router?

[trooper55]

ok i run a cnc router at work i wanted to know if i could cut 1/16 mile steel with it if i get the right bit, the lowest i can run for rpms is 6000, or is there anyone i can contact for this info any help would be awesome.

Thanks so much

Rory

[cam1]

Couple of points:
If you used an HSS 2 flute endmill on mild steel, then you would generally start at around
5k RPM. You would want to run coolant, or you will fry the endmill. You could use solid carbide, but then you would be low on the speed side. As far as feeds are concerned a 2 Flute HSS endmill could take a chipload of .001 inches/rpm/tooth, which translates to 5000 X .002 = 10 inches/min.
Consider the lack of cooland, and the rigidity of your machine, and the clamping of the workpiece. The cutting forces are considerable.
People do it, but I would tread lightly....be safe!

regards

[trooper55]

thanks, i do have a oil misting system in place for this but i will give it a shoot with a 2 flut hss

thanks

[blackbeard52]

I have done this many times.... use a straight flute carbide inserted router bit or solid carbide.... 1/2" is best. and as mentioned earlier shield the area as chips and or broken bits will fly everywhere unless you cover the area.

Bob

[JerryFlyGuy]

Just curious but how many Hp spindle would it take to run a 1/2" 2F end mill at 10ipm w/ a 1/8" or so.. DOC??

Thnks..

J

[blackbeard52]

I used a 3.25 hp Porter Cable router. but the cut was from the edge of thin metal (1/16 - 1/8"). And the DOC was much smaller than 1/8...there is just not enough meat in a DIY router setup to do anything much deeper than .010 or .020 per pass...and get ready for LOUD, messy and slow.

Bob