Can I use this router to work with metal

[rivalote]

Hi all, I am new in CNC world. I buildt a homemade CNC (3 axis router) and it work pretty fine. I interested in work with some metals like aluminium. Till now I was using a dremel like tool, now I am going to buy a GKF600 (bosch) the spindle speed is fixed at 33000RPM. My question is, can I work metal with this tool? Or I need something different?

Thanks.

[wildwestpat]

Hi

I have done some light machining of alli alloy using an Trend/Elu MOF96 router that is similar to the Bosch you are proposing. Provided the cut is not high enough to cause the cutter to pick up material on the leading edge all should be well. I used a little white spirit as a lubricant but one of the modern dry stick type might be a better bet. Some of the alli alloys sold in DIY outlets are a bit too soft and will cling to the tool edge to cause over heating problems. Listen to the machine and observe the free cutting by way of the constant flow of chips! Unattended CNC routing would be in another league and would require lower speeds and some fprm of continuous librication / cooling of the cutter. I used a four flute end mill with some good results for short supervised runs.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Pat

[MichaelHenry]

You are asking your question in the wrong forum section. This section is the CNC mills sold by the Little Machine Shop company. Try one of the woodworking sections here.

Mike

[danin92508]

POSSIBLLE SOME LIGHT ALUMINUM MACHING BUT DEFINATELY NOT STEEL

[dertsap]

aluminum or steel can be done but it will depend upon your machine and how you approach it with your tooling and toolpath

this is cutting mild steel , 1/2 way thru the video i pump it up to 120 ipm , theres no load on the router (craftsman) and the tool looked as good afterward as it did when i pulled it out of the tube
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1ftb_cA4nE"]YouTube - cutting steel