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So, I got thrown into figuring out how our company x-carve works with no knowledge of CNC, like at all.
My issue is that I have a 12"x12"x0.063" sheet of 6061 aluminum that I’m trying to make a small(38.1mm dia.) circle with a hole cut in it but, I keep running into errors where it’ll either not cut all the way or the bit will break. I’ve been using the 1/8" fishtails with 2F from inventables but those are apparently rather fragile. The only other bits that we have are either too small(1/32), expensive($50), or is a 3F(destiny tools viper).
Honestly, any help would be appreciated. I’ve tried both the recommended cut settings and custom ones(0.1mm/0.2mm/0.5mm). At this point, I’m out of ideas and figured posting on the forums couldn’t hurt.
Look up Steven Sweet on this forum I purchased his X-Mist to do aluminum with but sadly I have been to busy to play with it. He may have some posts you can benefit from.
For such a job the lack of a mister is not a deal breaker. Squirt some WD40 or denatured alcohol on occation
For larger production runs a fixed mister will improve results.
What you first of all must adhere to (literally) is to secure the back surface fully onto the table. This is to prevent/minimize the chance of the sheet lifting due to the upcut nature of the bit. If it does all bets are off
Line the rear surface with blue masking tape, do the same for the work surface/spoil board. Glue/sandwich these two together with CA glue.
Next, use whatever 1/8" bit you have (Destiny?) and run the Dewalt on minimum RPM (16k)
This is actually a little on the fast side, but not critical.
Feed rate 40IPM, depth per pass .001" with a 3F tool. (Shallow and fast)
I’ll look him up. This is the new end mill I got the other day. Do you think those speeds @HaldorLonningdal mentioned will work with it being a 2F instead of 3F?
