[merlinhawker]

Hi All, Can anyone suggest what kind of feed rates I should be using cutting mdf light weight and regular using a 1-1/2 horsepower router cutting 0.2050 depth of cut with a 1/4 inch spiral upcut carbide bit?

any thoughts? Mark,

[ger21]

Depends on the rpm and the rigidity of the machine, as well as tool sharpness, but it could be anywhere between 100-500ipm.

[merlinhawker]

Thanks Gerry, the router is a porter cable turning about 20,000 rpm I believe,
the machine is a aluminum job with a cutting surface of 48" X 48" and looks
similiar to a shop bot but is a home made one. I am cutting at about 55 ipm
and I occasional lose position due Id believe to motor stalling. I thought maybe I was cutting too fast. Now I wonder if motors are not tuned properly
OR? humm....


Mark

[ger21]

Cutting loads at 55ipm shouldn't be enough to cause your steppers to stall. Cutting at any speed shouldn't cause them to stall. You need to get the machine running better.

If you want your bits to last a reasonable amount of time at 20,000 rpm, you need to be cutting at least 200-250ipm.

[merlinhawker]

Gerry, getting the machine running better is a matter of motor tuning then?

Is there a technique or procedure followed to maximize motor output?

when one of the two motors opperating the y stall it causes the gantry to
rack or go out of square.

Mark

[ger21]

There isn't really any "tuning" involved. Just adjust velocity and acceleration to values that won't cause the machine to stall.

Are you using leadscrews? What pitch?
What motors, drives, and power supply voltage?