I have the X-Carve and I’m wanting to make some legend plates for work the material is aluminum 0.06" thick, the parts are 55mm x 55mm with a 30mm hole in the middle. I’m trying to get the correct bit to use and FR, PR and DPP any help is appreciated.
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Hello,
For cutting aluminum 0.06" thick on your X-Carve, I recommend using a 1/8" carbide end mill . Here are some suggested settings: hpinstantink com
- Feed Rate (FR): 1200 mm/min
- Plunge Rate (PR): 76.2 mm/min
- Depth of Cut (DOP): 0.1-0.2 mm per pass
Make sure to use coolant to prevent overheating and ensure smooth cuts. Test these settings on a small piece first to fine-tune them for your specific setup.
Best Regards,
Ellen Hogan
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Howdy, I sometimes use Easel to engrave 1.0mm (0.04) thick anodised aluminum tags.
Cut Depth: 0.1mm (0.004in)
FR: 200mm/min (7.9in/min)
PR: 100mm/min (4in/min)
Bit: 1/8 Tapered Ballnose - 2 Flutes, Radius 0.25mm x Shaft 3.175mm x Cut Length 15mm (0.01in x 0.125in x 0.6in). Advertised taper angle: 5.5 degrees (11 degrees total angle).
My 3018 is a baby compared to an X-Carve but early on I managed to brake a bunch of tiny end mills trying to get fine details and nice ‘floors’ in the engraved pocket.
Then I came across tapered ballnose bits, hooray.
By setting Easel’s* bit diameter to 0.3mm (0.012in) I get a lovely finish. No burring, shiny patterned floor and not a single broken bit since.
*I’m just thankful Easel will accept such a ludicrous bit diam 
I’m currently torturing myself with the next size up 0.25in bit by trying to learn to do v-carve inlays 
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