Should I use a Ball End or Flat for roughing?


Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: Should I use a Ball End or Flat for roughing?

  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    158
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Should I use a Ball End or Flat for roughing?

    I have an aluminum piece that I will be machining that has a pocket which has a radius on the bottom ( see screen shot photo )

    I'm going to be using a 5/8" ball end for doing the finishing pass, but just wondering if I should use a 1/2" Flat end mill for roughing, or should I use that same 5/8" for both my roughing and finish?

    So in other words, when your dealing with a pocket that has a radius curved bottom what's the most efficient way for roughing? ( Flat End Mill or Ball Endmill )

    Thanks,

    Kent
    Should I use a Ball End or Flat for roughing?-screen-shot-jpg

    Similar Threads:


  2. #2
    Community Moderator Jim Dawson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Posts
    5717
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Should I use a Ball End or Flat for roughing?

    Assuming you have a CNC machine, I would use a 3/8 bull nose for roughing using an adaptive clearing routine, then finish with the 5/8 ball.

    Jim Dawson
    Sandy, Oregon, USA


  3. #3
    Member machinehop5's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    1567
    Downloads
    5
    Uploads
    2

    Default Re: Should I use a Ball End or Flat for roughing?

    ...edge vs tip sfpm

    Last edited by machinehop5; 12-02-2020 at 02:42 AM. Reason: tip


  4. #4
    Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    158
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Should I use a Ball End or Flat for roughing?

    Thanks Jim...

    Yes, I'm running a Haas Super Mini mill and Fusion 360 for my Cam.

    Thanks for the info...

    Kent



  5. #5
    Community Moderator Jim Dawson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Posts
    5717
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Should I use a Ball End or Flat for roughing?

    With the Super Mini you might concider interpolating the finish pass(es) with a 1/2'' ball. Fusion seems to do a really good job of creating those tool paths. We do this for making fixtures and stuff, but would take too long for any production parts.

    How do you like that Super Mini? We have been thinking about buying one to run our stainless parts. We have a TM-2P and need to add to our stable of machines.

    Jim Dawson
    Sandy, Oregon, USA


  6. #6
    Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    158
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Should I use a Ball End or Flat for roughing?

    Hi Jim,

    I love our Super Mini Mill !

    It has a 15 HP spindle motor and rigid tapping.

    The new Super Mini Mill 2 machines have a 20 slot tool changer, and a little larger work envelope.... so at some point I may move up to that model.
    I'm running out of my garage, so I have height restrictions getting anything bigger under my garage door.

    The one really down side on the Mini Mills is their poor design on the coolant tank. ( It's built right into the frame, so you can't slide it away from the machine for cleaning )

    but all in all it's done a great job for me.

    Take Care,

    Kent



Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  


About CNCzone.com

    We are the largest and most active discussion forum for manufacturing industry. The site is 100% free to join and use, so join today!

Follow us on


Our Brands

Should I use a Ball End or Flat for roughing?

Should I use a Ball End or Flat for roughing?