Any suggestions for machining 6061 aluminum with small (1/16") 2 flute carbide endmill? During my first attempt with such a small cutter, I have just broken the only two that I had.
I know that endmills this size need to be run much faster, but my mill is limited to 3600 rpm. I used the feed and speed calculator in Mach3 to determine the cutting conditions I used. The first one broke @3600 rpm, 36 ipm, .031" doc. I assumed the doc was too much so I tried 3600 rpm, 16 ipm, .015" doc, but it broke too. Both broke on the first pass while cutting a 1" square.
Considering my rpm limitation, what should I try next?
By the way, I made some cuts with an 1/8" cutter @ 3600 rpm, 36 ipm, .031" doc with no problems at all.