[kentdesautel13]

I have an aluminum piece that I will be machining that has a pocket which has a radius on the bottom ( see screen shot photo )

I'm going to be using a 5/8" ball end for doing the finishing pass, but just wondering if I should use a 1/2" Flat end mill for roughing, or should I use that same 5/8" for both my roughing and finish?

So in other words, when your dealing with a pocket that has a radius curved bottom what's the most efficient way for roughing? ( Flat End Mill or Ball Endmill )

Thanks,

Kent
Attachment 453390

[Jim Dawson]

Assuming you have a CNC machine, I would use a 3/8 bull nose for roughing using an adaptive clearing routine, then finish with the 5/8 ball.

[machinehop5]

...edge vs tip sfpm

[kentdesautel13]

Thanks Jim...

Yes, I'm running a Haas Super Mini mill and Fusion 360 for my Cam.

Thanks for the info...

Kent

[Jim Dawson]

With the Super Mini you might concider interpolating the finish pass(es) with a 1/2'' ball. Fusion seems to do a really good job of creating those tool paths. We do this for making fixtures and stuff, but would take too long for any production parts.

How do you like that Super Mini? We have been thinking about buying one to run our stainless parts. We have a TM-2P and need to add to our stable of machines.

[kentdesautel13]

Hi Jim,

I love our Super Mini Mill !

It has a 15 HP spindle motor and rigid tapping.

The new Super Mini Mill 2 machines have a 20 slot tool changer, and a little larger work envelope.... so at some point I may move up to that model.
I'm running out of my garage, so I have height restrictions getting anything bigger under my garage door.

The one really down side on the Mini Mills is their poor design on the coolant tank. ( It's built right into the frame, so you can't slide it away from the machine for cleaning )

but all in all it's done a great job for me.

Take Care,

Kent