Milling Aluminum

[azsigns]

Part thickness is usually 1/4" plate, sometimes 1/2".

On a 1/4" plate I take 3 passes @ 0.090" each.

The first 2 passes I set my tool offsets for a .27" dia cutter and on the final back to .25", just to shave off an extra .010" for safe measure incase of a slip.

Can't say enough about the Belin cutters. They are a work of art!
Never found a better made cutter for this type of work. I only wish I had found them years earlier.

BTW, I'm running a stepper machine made up from Techno slides & extrusions (not very heavy), using Ability Systems Indexer, & my own electronics. Nothing very fancy or heavy.

Chris

[BT1]

I like HSS slot drills, 2 flutes.

Also some WD40 works well on the finish cut.

[ger21]

Anyone know where to purchase these Belin cutters in the US?

[Cold Fusion]

I would also like to know where to buy these great cutters.

[steveald]

Hi,

I'm not sure about the US, but they can be ordered through Acme Sign Supplies in Canada.

Steve

[Ken_Shea]

Gerry,
If you cannot find the Belin cutters you are looking for, you should give these a try, 1/4" carbide, aluminum cutting end mills. I have dealt with this company and there tools and as is obvious, recommend them. These cutters are under $8

I have tried good quality made in the USA HSS cutters in aluminum and they don’t touch the performance these carbide do. I am not making a blanket statement only what I have experienced.


http://www.american-carbide.com/EndM...ection=6&Cat=1


Ken

[ger21]

I just wanted to try the Belin cutters, haven't used them myself.

[jstuedle]

The poor mans was to keep your cutting cool, lubed, and free of chips is to keep a small dia. nozzle of compressed air at the cutter, and swab the cutter with an acid brush dipped in # 2 fuel oil or kero. A drop or two every few seconds works magic and if you are stingy enough it keeps down the mess. The air volume should be moderate, not excesive, and close to the cut. Less than 1/2" works well. The trick is to only keep the cutter moist, not dripping and slinging excess oil. Let the air do the work of clearing chips and the oil barely lubricating the tool.

[ezdonedeal]

Hi everyone,
can anyone help me choose the correct equipment and the best method to create an aluminum handle like in the picture below?

is this something i can make in house?
im a rookie when it comes to machining, I have just recently been researching about this topic. any tips?