I am milling mainly Aluminum on my Haas mini mill, and currently for example I am milling a 2" x 2" square hole that is let's say 1/2" deep. My cam software creates code that just takes my end mill and brings it above that area and goes strait down on the area it's going to cut and then continues cutting the square area. ( in other words it goes strait down to the depth specified in my depth of cut in my G-code )
I've been reading that this may be shortening my end mill life.
I was going to consider having the mill make a 3/4" hole with a drill bit in that area to create a pilot hole for my 1/2" end mill to use as a starting point.
Is there an alternative that I should be using?
My cam software is somewhat limited on settings ( for example I don't have the option to come in at it at an angle )
Thanks,
Kent