Climb or convential cutting and engaging

[chris123]

Hi

My CAM package gives me the option to climb, conventional or do both for cutting. My taig mill complains a lot when cutting but I'm not sure which direction. Which is more Taig mill friendly?

Also when engaging my mill vibrates a lot and seems like its going to break something. The CAM package gives me several option:
1. Straight down then start cutting
2. Go into the piece at an angle, go back and clean up then continue
3. Spiral down into the piece and continue
What is the best option?

I've tried 1 and 2, is my tool bit just blunt or is there a better option?

[MrWild]

If your tool isn't center cutting #1 will cause a lot of problems, and so will #2 and #3. #2 will be problematic if the ramp is too steep. #3 will be problematic if the sprial diameter is too small (At least .7 more than the diameter of the tool) so that the tool is forcing the center down in an area that isn't cleared OR the spiral ramp angle is too steep.

If your gibs aren't adjusted properly AND/OR your lead screws have too much lash, you will get terrible cuts anytime the mill starts to take an earnest cut. Poor gib adjustment and/or lead screw lash in any is will cause problems

[chris123]

It's been a while since I adjusted them but the cuts seem very good, they are straight, accurate and repeatable. I am creating a 3d object
BTW I'm not sure how I am suppose to adjust them properly

I should also add I am milling 6061 aliuminum with a 3/16" tool bit and I'm going 33% tool diameter deep and across. I have set it to 2900 RPM and 11ipm. I do not have any problems when I do a finishing cut with the 1/16" bit

So I should either go angular and spiral?
What about when the mill is cutting should it be conventional or climb?

[MrWild]

Ball screws, or Acme, how much lash?

[chris123]

What ever the standard is for Taig 5 years ago, I believe its a split nut
As far is i can tell backlash is negligible
I'm not really concerned about backlash as their doesnt seem to be any, more so in how to stop the machine complaining as it does in one of the cut directions but not the other

[Jeff-Birt]

As far is i can tell backlash is negligible

Your can't just 'tell' Unless you actually measure the backlash then you really have know way of knowing. It does not take much to measure it and adjust if needed just a decent quality indicator and a bit of time. Your Taig will thank you if you take a bit of time to dial it in.

[chris123]

I believe I have a dial indicator
I can use that

[awerby]

climb and conventional milling with the Taig. In metals, I find it's better to ramp into a cut than to plunge straight in. The helical ramp is the gentlest, so if you're having problems you might try it. I get best results climb-cutting the finishing passes in aluminum; it gives a cleaner, smoother result.

Andrew Werby
www.computersculpture.com

[chris123]

I dont seem to have much of a problem with finishing its more a problem with roughing