303SS loads/feeds/etc - tiny cutters

[zcases]

I have a SS job to quote - making some pallet branding stamps. I am recommending 303 to the customer to make it machinable as there is some very detailed machining that will require a ~0.030 end mill to machine some raised letters.

So, with minimum experience with cutters this small....what would be a good starting point for a 1/32 cutter in 303 on a retrofitted BOSS with max ~4000rpm?

Chip load, DOC, SFM, cutter material........any input appreciated to give me a little confidence in the cycle time my CAM is telling me.......
Thanks
Scott

[riverrat]

good luck to ya!
better keep your chip load small and lots "o" lubricity.
no help here, let us know how it works out.

[zcases]

Well, got some material coming.......kind of scary, wish I could do it in aluminum. Even scarier - lookin through McMaster I see 0.005" diameter cutters! Are you kidding me?

[ctate2000]

I would suggest HSS to start. SF around 50. Feed about .0005 per flute. The DOC should be 25-30 percent of diameter axial and radial. 4000 RPM and 8 IPM for a 4 flute tool. I suggest HSS because of cost, flexability and your machine can't make the RPM to run carbide the proper SFM. Use a good tool that is very sharp and flood it with coolant to move the chips away. Recutting will kill that small tool. The feedrate is modest and you may find it possible to run faster.

[zcases]

I would actually be pretty happy to get 8ipm and ~.010 depth. We will see..........

[jackson]

well i just Quoted some parts that im going to have to use the same size endmill but i got lucky its 6061 alum. but i would say for you just dont get in to big a hurry broke tools cost to much,