Cutting S.S. 304

[Big"E"]

What is a "good" starting point cutting a pocket on 304 stainless? Machine is a HAAS VFOE (20HP) endmill is a 5/16 Diameter 4 Flute TILACLN designed for S.S.

The doc (depth of cut) is 0.100" with a 50% step over

The setup is rigid, with plenty of coolant.

The cam software (M.C.) shows Speed 1836 and a Feed of 6.4, that appears to be a bit aggressive for 304

Any suggestions on where to start?

After the slot I need to cutthe outside profile, so I need to get a good starting point.

[cdlenterprises]

Sounds a little slow. I usually figure about 250-300 spm for milling stainless. I might bump the feed up a little, too. You don't want to go too slow in 304 or you'll dull the cutter. Try 2500-2800 rpm @ 15 ipm. see what it sounds like and go from there

[jackson]

i would start at 75sfm 1000rpms 4ipm and a good carbide cutter and run it dry

[jackson]

and reduce your doc by half

[bbern]

i'd go 3058 RPM,11 IPM, 7 IPM on the first full diameter entry cut. also try to interpolate the corners,instead of plunging full dia. into them. on the profile, depending on the radial and axial DOC, i'd go up to 300 SFM or so (3667 RPM) and 15-18 IPM.

Bill