Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...
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- Vectric Craftsman
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Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...
I have a order for several of these plaques cut from .5" colorcore. I have cut one sample as you can see and the issue is all the fuzzies. It is almost impossible to get them of for a good clean look. I did a final clearance cleanup pass at .o1 and this is the end result. Can someone please share with me the best end mill .125 for this project? Thanks
- Leo
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Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...
I really do NOT know the answer.
BUT
I did watch a video where the test conducted was comparing an upcut - downcut and straight flute router bit in wood. The straight flute made the cleanest cut.
Not - I cannot qualify that as I have not tried the testing myself and that the test was in wood.
I would add that REALLY SHARP would be key.
BUT
I did watch a video where the test conducted was comparing an upcut - downcut and straight flute router bit in wood. The straight flute made the cleanest cut.
Not - I cannot qualify that as I have not tried the testing myself and that the test was in wood.
I would add that REALLY SHARP would be key.
Imagine the Possibilities of a Creative mind, combined with the functionality of CNC
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Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...
Have you tried cutting in the opposite direction?
Gerry - http://www.thecncwoodworker.com
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Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...
Amana Tool 46292 CNC 2D and 3D Carving Flat Bottom x 0.10 Deg Angle x 1/8 Dia x 1-3/32 Cut Height x
I like these bits when I need to make an 1/8" profile cut. - I typically make convential cuts unless working with material that splinters easily. I almost always run a final single pass to clean any indexed cuts.
I like these bits when I need to make an 1/8" profile cut. - I typically make convential cuts unless working with material that splinters easily. I almost always run a final single pass to clean any indexed cuts.
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Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...
Thanks for the input, I will give Toolstoday a call.
- martin54
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Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...
Can't help with suppliers being on the other side of the pond but I buy endmills specially designed for cutting plastics & laminates when I have this sort of work to do, I am guessing most manufacturers will have bits along the same lines as those I buy so look out for cutters that say they are specifically for cutting plastics. Most of them are single flute bits, they have a high helix angle which helps with chip evacuation & they tend to be at the higher priced end of the market as well
Good chip evacuation is essential to prevent re-cutting & heat generation, my dust extraction system isn't the best so I tend to direct an air hose at the cutter & blow them out of the way, it is very messy & cleaning up afterwards is a pain but at least the material cuts well.
Had a quick online search & found some videos about machining this material that you may not have seen, scroll down the page & there seem to be a few of them. hope they help
http://www.kingplastic.com/products/king-colorcore/
Good chip evacuation is essential to prevent re-cutting & heat generation, my dust extraction system isn't the best so I tend to direct an air hose at the cutter & blow them out of the way, it is very messy & cleaning up afterwards is a pain but at least the material cuts well.
Had a quick online search & found some videos about machining this material that you may not have seen, scroll down the page & there seem to be a few of them. hope they help
http://www.kingplastic.com/products/king-colorcore/
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- Vectric Craftsman
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Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...
thanks Martin, will do.
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Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...
The video had a lot of good info, thanks again.
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Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...
UPDATE the colorcore web page is the blast, they had a video explaining exactly how to set up to cut the .5 colorcore. 80ipm and 15 to 18000 rpm with a final clean up pass of .015 using a .125 o-flute upcut end mill.. They are perfect just blow them off with the air nozzle and done. Thanks for all the input.
Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...
Have you tried finish cutting again with a spring pass? Conventional cut? Slower feed?
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- martin54
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Re: Selecting the correct end mill, I need help...
glad to see it all work out well for you & thanks for updating the thread, makes all the difference & now we all know what to suggest if someone asks a similar question
From my own experience plastics & metals are less forgiving than wood so making sure speeds, feeds etc are correct is more critical for achieving good results
From my own experience plastics & metals are less forgiving than wood so making sure speeds, feeds etc are correct is more critical for achieving good results