[ncttech]

I'm using a carbide, 3-flute, 60 degree helix end mill. 5/32 cutting diameter w/ a 3/16" shank and 9/16 length of cut. I need to mill 1/2" thick aluminum. what would you reccomend for depth of cut, speed, and feed. It's a Fadal VMC40 with an 8000 rpm spindle. Thanks.

[diamond.3211]

I'm assuming full slot cut width, with not more than .75 stickout, 8000 rpm, .03 - .05 doc, 20 - 30 ipm. Try the low end first and work your way up until you feel comfortable that your not pushing too hard. If the 3 flute starts to be trouble try dropping down to 2 flute, in aluminum you may need the extra chip clearance.

[zero_divide]

I would be starting at 8000 rpm 54.0 IPM.
At 0.025" deep for slotting.
If endmill handles that well you could bump up the depth a bit.