Milling
Originally Posted by
no priors
I am a newbe benchtop machinist with a Seig II tuned and trammed great. I'm making light end cuts on 6016 1 1/2 X 1/2 with a 3/4 4 flute Tin coat from LMS trying to see how smooth I can get. I have modified with LMS belt drive and do OK at about 1/3 rpm. I get small vertical wavy pattern on surface. Am I way to slow? Do I lubricate? My goal is perfection. Do I set the belt to higher speed pulleys. Cuts are smooth to touch with some shine and are perfectly square. How would you do it on this machine.
Thanks
No priors (honest)
First off, send some of that, "Shine XXX Over Here", and it better be like Grandpa used to make.
Seriously though it's a kind of feel when cutting anything. There is no proven science to Feeds and Speeds for any specific application. Lubrication is a good idea. You will never get a perfect surface unless you use a Precision Grinding Machine. What you might be seeing is "chatter". Chatter is the tool bouncing instead of cutting because the feedrate is too slow and the RPM too high. Try lowering your RPM a little more and using a bit more feed. I realize your cranking a handle. Also try lightly stoning the tips of the end mill (Flute Corners) and be careful not to cut yourself or take too much off. Try taking a less depth of cut. I hear about using Soapy Water for Lubrication (I have to get used to this). Try some soapy water and in my opinion make it thick. I have been a Machinist for almost 15 years and to be honest, I'll never use soapy water. That will be left up to you.
There is a new book out that has a few interesting points about machining. It's called "Machine Shop Trade Secrets". I borrowed this from a friend when I was bored and actually found some uselful information in it. I believe it's $40.00. Try Amazon.
Have fun with your mill and learn as much as you can.
Welcome to cnczone!
:cheers:
Toby D.
"Imagination and Memory are but one thing, but for divers considerations have divers names"
Schwarzwald
(Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)
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