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IndustryArena Forum > WoodWorking Machines > DIY CNC Router Table Machines > Feeds and Speeds question - .125 and 6061
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  1. #1
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    Mar 2010
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    Feeds and Speeds question - .125 and 6061

    Now that I'm getting more familiar with my machine and trying to optimize cuts and tool usage I thought it was time to explore the many feeds and speeds calculators out there.

    I have a project that I need to cut some 6061 aluminum and some of the cuts require an .125 bit which brings me to the feeds and speeds... since I don't work in the industry my experience and exposure is very limited. There is a lot of information out there and quite frankly my math skills aren't that great..

    Is there a nice free tool available for the do-it your self guy like me to help me get in the ballpark?

    I took a look at the FSWizard and it looks great but I'm questioning in this case the calculations, the DOC .219 seems wrong, the feed and RPM seem reasonable... any thoughts?

    Adam,
    Gecko G540, Rack and Pinion Drives-X and A axis, 1/2-10 5 Start Acme-Z Axis
    4-THK HSR 25 Linear Slides, KL23H2100-35-4B, Power Supply-KL-600-48 48V

  2. #2
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    Sep 2012
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    255

    Re: Feeds and Speeds question - .125 and 6061

    Well.
    There is nothing wrong actually. Because it suggests just 0.038" WOC at the same time.
    If you set slotting WOC it will offer you smaller depth of cut.

    Either way make sure to use some soft of coolant to remove the chips and lubricate your tool.
    FSWizard does not have a "my setup is flimsy and iI do not have airblast/coolant" compensation option.
    It assumes you do a good job with your setup. Make sure to take light cuts if your cnc is not strong enough

    When everything is perfect you may find those speeds and feeds conservative.
    http://zero-divide.net
    FSWizard:Advanced Feeds and Speeds Calculator

  3. #3
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    Re: Feeds and Speeds question - .125 and 6061

    Thanks Zero_Divide.. pretty cool utility by the way.

    I understand the machining issues that some may run into, I'll make sure to have some type of chip cleaning..

    If I wanted to start conservatively what would you adjust, speed, WOC or DOC?

    I am still pretty green when it comes to machining and this would really be my first attempt on a CNC as opposed to cutting on a router table, so I'm open to all suggestions and ideas.

    Adam,
    Gecko G540, Rack and Pinion Drives-X and A axis, 1/2-10 5 Start Acme-Z Axis
    4-THK HSR 25 Linear Slides, KL23H2100-35-4B, Power Supply-KL-600-48 48V

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by adam_m View Post
    Thanks Zero_Divide.. pretty cool utility by the way.

    I understand the machining issues that some may run into, I'll make sure to have some type of chip cleaning..

    If I wanted to start conservatively what would you adjust, speed, WOC or DOC?

    I am still pretty green when it comes to machining and this would really be my first attempt on a CNC as opposed to cutting on a router table, so I'm open to all suggestions and ideas.

    Adam,
    I would start at whatever speeds and feeds it recommends, but when machining start from maybe 10% of recommended DOC.

    Take some slotting cuts and see if your machine rigidity allows for more.

    With a stubby 2flute carbide endmill you can take .125 deep slotting cuts at 10000 RPM and 20.0 ipm. That with flood coolant (or good mist) and a rigid enough machine.
    http://zero-divide.net
    FSWizard:Advanced Feeds and Speeds Calculator

  5. #5
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    Jun 2012
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    817

    Re: Feeds and Speeds question - .125 and 6061

    Like Zero said, it is more related to how rigid your machine is than anything else. I machine 6061 with a .125" carbide bit every day on a machine that is not so rigid. I prefer higher feed with low DOC and a single flute dry. I run dry because I have a wood machine. With a three flute Viper bit and good coolant I could fly along at 75 IPM but one bit of resonance in the machine and the bit would explode. Currently running 6061 with a single flute @ 15,000 RPM, 20 IPM, .01" DOC, bone dry. Super conservative but I'm getting good bit life and no breakage in a long time.

  6. #6
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    Re: Feeds and Speeds question - .125 and 6061

    Revisiting this old thread as I was experimenting today with cutting some 6061 and was looking at the FSWizard calculations and once again trying to make sense of them.

    The FSWizard recommended slot cutting DOC .125 Feed 31.35 and RPM 10K for a .250 2 flute bit as seen in the attachment.

    However when I was testing today I was running DOC .0425 Feed 35 and RPM 12K and not having terrible results but the chips weren't flying like some of the videos I've seen.

    I've seen numbers all over the place and was wondering what other were having success with on their home made machines? If starting at 10% of DOC how will I know where the sweet spot is when increasing the DOC? Should the only variable be adjusting the DOC when attempting this test?

    Thanks.

    Adam,
    Gecko G540, Rack and Pinion Drives-X and A axis, 1/2-10 5 Start Acme-Z Axis
    4-THK HSR 25 Linear Slides, KL23H2100-35-4B, Power Supply-KL-600-48 48V

  7. #7
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    Re: Feeds and Speeds question - .125 and 6061

    Cool, I've stumped the group... I find it hard to believe that no one has any input or guides for feeds and speeds that they've used in the past.

    adam,
    Gecko G540, Rack and Pinion Drives-X and A axis, 1/2-10 5 Start Acme-Z Axis
    4-THK HSR 25 Linear Slides, KL23H2100-35-4B, Power Supply-KL-600-48 48V

  8. #8
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    Re: Feeds and Speeds question - .125 and 6061

    I ran a test yesterday and find that the suggestion for an 1/8 o-flute isn't correct... welded chips.

    Am I doing something wrong?

    Adam,
    Gecko G540, Rack and Pinion Drives-X and A axis, 1/2-10 5 Start Acme-Z Axis
    4-THK HSR 25 Linear Slides, KL23H2100-35-4B, Power Supply-KL-600-48 48V

  9. #9
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    Mar 2003
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    35538

    Re: Feeds and Speeds question - .125 and 6061

    You can't typically cut that deep with a router, unless you have a really good router. And you probably need a LOT of coolant to pull that off.
    Gerry

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

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

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

  10. #10
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    Re: Feeds and Speeds question - .125 and 6061

    Thanks Gerry.

    So that gets me back to the question of determining "speeds and feeds" for cutting items on "homemade" machines since "most" aren't capable of performing up to industrial standards.

    What numbers do you start adjusting DOC, FEED or RPM?

    However, I will say they calculation was a bit more on target for non "slot" cutting. I would assume chip removal was the key there.. just a guess.
    Gecko G540, Rack and Pinion Drives-X and A axis, 1/2-10 5 Start Acme-Z Axis
    4-THK HSR 25 Linear Slides, KL23H2100-35-4B, Power Supply-KL-600-48 48V

  11. #11
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    Re: Feeds and Speeds question - .125 and 6061

    I'd reduce DOC, and increase Feedrate.
    Gerry

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

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

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

  12. #12
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    Mar 2010
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    Re: Feeds and Speeds question - .125 and 6061

    OK, makes sense, but how do I quantify "Rreduce the DOC and increase the Feedrate"?

    What is a comfortable DOC for you in this case?

    Assuming DOC is 10% of the suggested then Feedrate increases to 28.30. Does that seem to be reasonable??

    Adam,
    Gecko G540, Rack and Pinion Drives-X and A axis, 1/2-10 5 Start Acme-Z Axis
    4-THK HSR 25 Linear Slides, KL23H2100-35-4B, Power Supply-KL-600-48 48V

  13. #13
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    Re: Feeds and Speeds question - .125 and 6061

    I know these' are small pieces but do they look like what people are used to seeing when cutting aluminum at the correct speeds?

    This was cut with a 3/16 1 flute upcut at .016 DOC and 10k RPM at 34ipm.

    Adam,
    Gecko G540, Rack and Pinion Drives-X and A axis, 1/2-10 5 Start Acme-Z Axis
    4-THK HSR 25 Linear Slides, KL23H2100-35-4B, Power Supply-KL-600-48 48V

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
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    242

    Re: Feeds and Speeds question - .125 and 6061

    On your average DIY router, you're going to want to run something like 40-80ipm w/ a DOC of something like .02-.05". A little WD40 and a lot of air goes a long way. Air is especially important.

    You can make .125" passes with a CNC router but you need the machine to do it. That means having a 5hp+ spindle, powerful drive motors, and a rigid machine.

  15. #15
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    Re: Feeds and Speeds question - .125 and 6061

    Thanks for the post Ross.

    Do you have any starting settings for other bit sizes?

    It seems like we should accumulate this information somewhere since our home made machines don't operate in the same capacities and those where the manufacturers have suggested to use their bits.

    Adam,
    Gecko G540, Rack and Pinion Drives-X and A axis, 1/2-10 5 Start Acme-Z Axis
    4-THK HSR 25 Linear Slides, KL23H2100-35-4B, Power Supply-KL-600-48 48V

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