Feeds/speeds, etc for 304ss

[edge540]

I need to machine some 304ss plate with a 3/8 end mill on my Haas VF-2 with fairly tight tolerances like .001 flateness and parallell on .15" thk 3x3 squares. Pocketing and profiling (no plunging). I have been machining 4130 and mild steel w/ coated end mills with good success. Is the stainless going to be alot more difficult to machine than the steels. Any advice or tips would be a big help. Rather not trash a 100 dollar tool by doing something wrong.

[laka]

200 SFM and 0.001" per flute should be pretty safe if you're using a coated tool. Use plenty of coolant.

[Shane123]

stainless doesnt like to spread the heat, so go hard on feed and not soo much on speed, keep the heat in the chip. i hate 304 plate with a passion, as i find sooo many inconsistencies in it as i machine. i usually try to use insertable or actual roughing endmills to do any roughing and then just simple side profiling of .01 cleanup with finish tooling. oh yeah, i hate 304 plate

[edge540]

thanks guys. I didnt get the job which im sure is for the best because I had this feeling the things would potato chip on me. I have done plenty of fabrication w/ 304 and it doesnt like to have anything done to it so i feel your hate. will store your info away none the less for future reference