[msdeltaguy]

Hello,

I have a torchmate 2x4 routing system and I would like to get some advice and idea's on some things I'm cutting. I am routing out three letter monograms that are about 18''x25'' from 1/2 inch Birch plywood with an Amana upcut 1/8'' end mill. I generally make about 4 to 5 passes at anywhere from 60-100 ipm. I use the end mill over the quarter inch end mill due to the fact I need some really sharp and narrow spaces and it just looks better cut want a 1/8'' end mill. I use to cut them with a 1/4'' upcut end mill but it seem the router was having to work harder to cut this out. My machine has a 1HP router that came with the Torchmate, but I am looking to upgrade to something 2HP or higher.

I'm looking for some suggestions that would maybe reduce my cutting time, or just some other options from some of you skilled professionals. Any information is greatly appreciated.

RR

[Nephi]

Do a rough cut with the largest end mill possible. this will allow you take deeper cuts and heavier feeds. Use the smaller end mill only on the places that need it.

[ger21]

If you're running over 18,000 rpm, you can probably up your feedrate to 200ipm or more.

[msdeltaguy]

I'm hesitant of running any more than 100 ipm because it seems like that is a little to fast. I'm not doing any kink of pocketing im just doing a profile cut.

by listening to the router and seeing how the cut looks most of the time I reduce the speed to around 75 ipm. If i stop the cut half way through the Collet nut is very hot. On occasion the Collete will break apart and the bit will start wobbling and mess up what i'm cutting. What can I do about the heat ? does the heat indicate to fast ??

I purchased about 15 Collet and nuts from bosch just to have them on hand.

If you're running over 18,000 rpm, you can probably up your feedrate to 200ipm or more.

[ger21]

Heat is usually caused by going too slow, with too high of spindle speed. Howecver, a 1/8" tool should not be heating up the collet that much. Sounds like the spindle bearings are getting hot.

You should be able to easily cut at 200-300ipm with an 1/8" tool, if the spindle and machine are up to it.

[msdeltaguy]

Thanks for the information. My machine is just a little 2x4 torchmate system with a Bosch Colt 1HP router.

If I may ask you an additional question?

I have the amana InGroove engraving system but I am unsure how to setup the bits. I want to make some small text on some wood projects that I'm doing and I havent figured out how to create the tool in vcarve pro/Aspire.

here is what I have In-Groove CNC Insert Engraving / Signmaking Router Bit System by Amana Tool

The knife that i'm trying to setup is the RCK-361* it's a v-knife. in aspire is it setup as an engraving tool or what ? I noticed the engraving tools have a lot more fields to fill in.

Heat is usually caused by going too slow, with too high of spindle speed. Howecver, a 1/8" tool should not be heating up the collet that much. Sounds like the spindle bearings are getting hot.

You should be able to easily cut at 200-300ipm with an 1/8" tool, if the spindle and machine are up to it.

[ger21]

I think you'd set it up as an engraving tool if it has a flat at the tip, or a V-bit if it comes to a point.