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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    4

    How slow can a router go?

    I have a Bosch 1617EVS variable speed router in my CNC. For what I want to cut, a machinist friend told me I need to get to about 2-3K rpm. (urethane/plastic, about 2.6" deep, 3/8" dia., 4 flute end mill) The Bosch will only go down to 8k, and I am afraid of upping the feed too much. I bought a home made machine, and it's a little more flexible than I had hoped. Part tolerances are not very tight. Is there a simple way to get the rpm down to where I need to be? Or am I in need of a different machine/spindle? Out of work and no $$$ at the moment though.

    Thanks for any feedback.

    Dave

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Posts
    43
    i would look for a single flute 3/8 cutter on ebay there is a guy drillman he has them lots of guys talk about the bits,,an r u not trying to cut all in a single pass ...what feed rate are u useing.hope that helps

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    4
    Thanks radicalrescue! I was told to look for a 2 flute, but am having a hard time finding one. Was told high rpm will melt the material. Still futzing with feed rates in different materials. Don't have much good material to waste. I was plunging about 1/8" with a cutter stepover of .09", about 10-20 ipm. May have to up that some. So, no, not all in one pass.

    Thanks, I will look up drillman.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Posts
    43
    hay if u dont find one an u want a 2 flute theirs a guy that sharpens tools down the road i can ask him to cut down a shank to fit the router ..hope u did not take that as being a smart ass on the cut all in one pass...i have not had my set up to long so i am learning i just cut some 1/8 lexan at 30ipm an up to 60ipm with a 2 flute its leaves a little fuzz on the edge ..ill try a 3/8 tomrrow an see what it looks like... was going to try a wd40 mister an see how that works this week

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    4
    Nope, we're good. I'm a real newbie at this CNC stuff, but have been around machinists for a long time. I'm an out of work Machine Designer. I can't use any mist as my whole machine is made of MDF. All I could afford for now. Max. cut size is about 11" x 11'. Will get something better someday.
    Want to cut a <1" x 1" pocket about 2.7" deep with a rad. of .187". Thus the need to use no bigger than 3/8 mill.
    I looked up drillman1 on ebay. No single flute, 3/8" listed in a useable length. I can find 2 flute ones on MSCdirect and McMaster Carr. Would like to slow the router down, but don't know if that is practical.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    You're going to have a hard time finding a long enough tool for that.

    Also, 10-20 ipm is way to slow to be cutting plastic with a router. How fast is your machine capable of?

    At 8,000 rpm, and a single flute tool, you can probably cut at 60-80ipm with no issues.

    The slowest you can spin that router is 5000 rpm, if you spend about $200 on a SuperPID speed control. But honestly, I'd just buy a single flute tool.

    If you have to use a 2 flute tool due to the length, then up the feedrate and take shallower passes if rigidity is an issue.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

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    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

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    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    1795
    smaller diameter can be spin faster.. with faster rpm you might can go with higher federate..

    I cut pvc around 100 ipm... with 1/4 bit and passes about 4 mm little more than 1/8..

    for acrylic 1/8 bit 1250 mm per min federate.. 14000 rpm ... leaves no burr..

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Posts
    43

    slow it down

    hay my buddy got a rheostat from harbor fright like 20 bucks 0r so ...it works ,,,the only thing if u run it a real long time it makes the router hot as hall ,the router will not last long if u did it every day but a job or two ...as for mdf that was my first one also,,u know that u could put clear coat ,or varnish on the wood an the wd will not soak in right ..if u can use air it will help two cool well let me know how it works out

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Posts
    43
    victorofga thanks for the info. i am going to try that faster feed ..my vfd is at 400. spindle is a 2.2kw water cooled .well off to the shop thanks for the input..

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