I found a long end mill, that when I mount it in my XCP spindle, it extends about 2.5 inches. Just enough to cut through some 2" hardwoods I have, and it works well.
Now, I have some 3" hardwoods I need to cut…anyone have any idea where I might get longer end mills to handle that?
Looks to me like they are all 1/2" shanks…I’ll keep digging…
I think I found what I’m after…
You know, I’m cutting these circles, from one side. Since they are simply round, thick, circles, I should be able to cut 1/2 way thru from each side. Meaning I’d need to flip the blank over, and get perfect alighment. Is that possible? Anyone with any suggestions how how I could get perfect registration like that? Rather than plunging a total of 3" from one side, I’d rather go 1.5" from both sides…
Another way is to make the first cut. Next put some 1/4" scrap on the machine and set the tool path to pocket and create a circle that your part will register in and make the second cut.
Or
Use a flush trim bit in the router table.
Hmmmm, smart guy…
So, cut 1/2 way thru, my circle cut.
Then carve off excess material outside the circle, such that the round is standing proud above the surface. Then, take it off the machine. Next, mound some 1/2" MDF, and have the XCarve make a pocket circle in the exact same spot. Now, I flip my piece of wood, with my proud round, and insert it into that pocket. Clamp, and go from the “B” side! Me thinks that just might work !!
That’s a lot of time for a circle. I’d cut part way through then jigsaw and flush trim bit off CNC.
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This is a 3" thick circle, Neil…