I started ordering from midweststeel also. Amazing prices on 6061 (and even mic6), I managed to get a 14"x14"x5/8" slab for <$40!
What type of single flute are people using? Have you ever tried the Inventables single flute upcut?
Everything is working great. Just wish the bits would last longer I can make 30 thin i start to get not sharp edges
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Wipe the bits down with oil between cuts. Works for me. Also, coated end mills are the way to go!
Like between files I run or between each part
Yah, it seems like you should get more from your profiling bits. I did 100 medallions with one profiling bit, but went through 4 or five engraving bits. I order those in bulk now because they are so fragile. Also, I do not cut any metal (profiles) with less than a .125 bit, so that might be the difference. But I have forced air blowing on the bit constantly (when the router is on).
Can I get more details on the project you are talking about. Fredâs speeds bits metal. Air system I would love to get more life
The medallions (I made the handy display case with the x-carve too!):
Profiling: DOC: .005 (per pass); Feed: 40 ipm; Bit: 1/8" two flute destiny viper
Engraving: DOC: .001 (per pass, .002 total); Feed 40 ipm; Bit: 30 degree engraving, .01" tip
Air System:
Ordered this: http://www.amazon.com/Yosoo-Coolant-Lubrication-Milling-save-energy/dp/B00ZOQ6X10?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
And connected it to my compressor (Calfornia Air Tools, Super quiet) with this:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_498367-47120-SGY-AIR201_1z10r73__?productId=50129864&pl=1
because, if you cut this yellow air hose, it fits perfectly info the loc line on the mister. I do not use mist, just the forced air. I have the air compressor set to 20-30 lbs and it clears chips perfectly and also cools the bit. I spritz the bit with wd 40 sometimes, but it is not necessary.
The metal is brass: 0.125" x 2" Extruded C360 H02 (Half Hard) Brass Rectangle Bar from onlinemetals.com
Using these same settings, I made a holder for my Yeti Tumbler for my boat (a real life safer). Here is a close up. I did sand this a bit but the profile fiinish in this 1/2" aluminum was very, very nice. The two chamfered holes in the top were cut first and were used to hold the piece while profiling. I do not believe in using tape (crazy), or clamps (bit hazard). I always figure out a way to securely affix the metal to a planed flat milling surface. I also surface plane the metal to ensure an âlevel to the machineâ surface for etching:
For the BB Medallions, I cut them all out. Then etched them with a jig I made for this project. You can see how each medallion (and any future medallion I make) is held securely in this jig. This is a very, very rigid machine and a very secure hold down. What you canât see to the lower left is a tapered hole for âzeroingâ my machine. I mannually snug my bit into this hole in the jig that is permanently affixed to my machine. THen, I zero my machine and can etch any or all of the slots whenever I want.
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im really interested in what you are saying here about your JIG and âzeroingâ the machine to the same hole. I have come to the same conclusion, that I need something like that. I have some questions:
How do you âzeroâ the machine - âexactlyâ?
ie: do you unplug and move it by hand?
or: do you put the bit in the router first - and then use the arrow keys to âmove it closeâ and down into the hole?
or: are you saying you put the bit in the Jig Hole first, then move the machine over the bit, then slide it up in?
Basically, I am concerned that moving at 0.1 Vs 0.001 nudgeâs will mean the zeroing will be off a little, enough so that engraving my items in the jig would not end up being spot on.
Could you maybe post a little video showing the process? tha
Hello - This post is quite old and I donât do it this way any more. But make a conical hole with a v bit or engraving bit. Turn machine off, manually move bit over hole, lower bit so the conical point settles into your zero hole. Set your machine to zero/zero and off you go.
cool. thanks!
So, do you have a âbetter wayâ now?
Biggest problem I face at this time is some reliable way to get the same zero point and the same material position. Ivâe ended up making âjigs for my jigsâ and that works, but I wonder if there is a better wayâŚ
Yes, I have a Tormach 440 and use a probe. But I still use my x-carve like machine for wood.
@Earwigger
Fair enough⌠lol
I feel like a $13k investment in a new machine should not be the only reliable way to get the same zero point⌠lol
Perhaps that is the reality of the situation.