[keen]

As I learn CAD/CAM CNC it is impacting more and more on my little Toolmaking business.

Here are some pics of 3D mould cavities in P20 steel.The CAM software is a bit basic but I get there! I am pleased with how accurate my Tormach is!

[thackman]

Would you mind posting some info about the feeds, speeds and endmills that you used?

[keen]

Would you mind posting some info about the feeds, speeds and endmills that you used?

Hi TM - Sure - Solid Carbide ball mills: 8.0 dia rougher S3500 F200 step over 4.0, intermed 5.0 dia S4500 F200 1.0 step over, Finish 4.0 dia S4500 F200 0.1 step over. 1/2 hour with 320 grade oilstone to finish.

[keen]

The above is in millimeters or course - (for inch divide by 25.4)

[thackman]

Thanks for the info. Did you split the stock on a bandsaw after milling the cavities?

[highspeedmazak]

That is just rough cut right?

[keen]

Thanks for the info. Did you split the stock on a bandsaw after milling the cavities?

Your welcome - The 'stock' was 2 blocks - clamped together - looks like one.

[keen]

Here is the finished mold - In addition to the cavity inserts above, I used my Tormach to drill the water holes, ejector plate holes, machine insert pockets, machine spigot ring recess, machine sliding core channels.

[apeman88]

I don't know anything about mold making... what do you mean (and what is the process) of oilstone finishing?

Ken

[keen]

I don't know anything about mold making... what do you mean (and what is the process) of oilstone finishing?

Ken

Mold cavities often need to be smooth - for product finish - or to allow part ejection.

If the machined cavity is too rough, oilstone polishing is often a good option. Special soft bond oilstones have been developed for this task - wet with kero, they break down to the general cavity form - and cut quickly. Eg a Guesswein 320 moldstone is a common choice - and makes short work of this kind of job.

I could have gone on to a say typically a 500 grit stone - then on to say 600 and 800 carborundum paper on soft wood - but it was not needed for this product.

[apeman88]

Sorry for the next stupid question...

How do you use the oilstone? Is it a polish? If so... how do you get into the cavities? Or is it a tool that can be used on a mill?

Ken

[keen]

Sorry for the next stupid question...

How do you use the oilstone? Is it a polish? If so... how do you get into the cavities? Or is it a tool that can be used on a mill?

Ken

Hi Ken - It is a hand held abrasive oil stone - have a look through the guesswein web site below -
http://www.gesswein.com/catalog/home...TOKEN=62469490

[apeman88]

Keen,

Thanks for the link! I've always been interested in mold making but have no idea what is involved. I'll be studying! :-)

Ken