[naspc]

Depends on spindle speed.

If you are using a trim router or other high speed spindle then I'd start with plain router bits for wood.

If your spindle is slower <10000 rpm, and you are cutting aluminum, I'd start with 2 flute HSS endmills (try Shars tool co.), then graduate to 3 flute polished carbide endmills (ebay: YG alu-power)


Plan on crashing, plan on breaking endmills, plan on clogging flutes, plan on ruining your work. Learn while you do this and you will quickly get the hang of it.

Hi Mcardoso, it looks like my spindle base rpm is 18000 and Max is 24000.
Should I be looking for endmills that rated for those rpms?
Also is there a kit of endmills you can recommend?

[mcardoso]

OK, sounds like you have a router spindle (or a watercooled one). Thats fine. Hardware store router bits and some soft wood would be a good place to start and practice.

ToolsToday.com has a nice selection of tools for higher speed spindles. The smaller the tool diameter the more speed it needs, hence why many stick to 1/8-1/4" tooling for these machines. Also the cutting forces are less, so you can get away with a less rigid setup. Carbide also prefers more speed than HSS.

I wouldn't send a fortune on cutters right now. get a few and practice. You should be able to run that spindle down to 8000 rpm or so with a VFD.