How large a Face mill diameter on a VF-2SS?

[amasters]

We'll be getting a new VF-2SS in a few weeks and have a question.

What is the largest diameter face mill I can put on the machine?
Is this a weight issue rather than size and if so, what is the weight limit we should be under?
Would like to get a 3" or 3.5" diameter so we can make a single pass over our parts.

Also, any preferences out there for face mill tool for work on aluminum and copper?

Thanks for any help

Andy

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[JFettig]

I run a 3" Seco Quattromill on a regular basis in my VF4SS and VF2 - both sidemount tool changers. I mark the tool heavy in the SS.

[amasters]

Thanks JFettig

I also found the max tool weight was 12 lbs.

The max tool diameter was 2.5" dia in the tool changer and 5" dia if adjacent tool slots were empty.

Andy

[Machineit]

I have a 2", two 3", and one 4". The 3 inch are the best and pose no size or weight problems. The 4" is about the limit for clearance and it actually weighs in at 14#. It was my first but seldom gets used anymore. 3" is about perfect. I do use the 2", but on SS only.

I would get a positive rake face mill for higher metal removal rates and better finish. JMO

Mike

[Ydna]

I use a 4.0" diameter facemill for some finishing operations. At one point I ended up with a used 5.0" diameter cutter but I've never used it, it's just too slow. I always choose a smaller diameter for roughing cuts.

I run the 4.0" at 7500 RPM, so it requires pretty high torque at that motor speed, considering it's only taking off a small finishing cut (like 0.010" or 0.015" depth of cut). But I specifically bought it with the highest count of inserts that I could find, which ended up being 10 inserts total...so it does a good job booking it around the workpieces.