are you cutting profiles, shapes, slots or just to size???
I'm about cut some aluminum tread plate for the first time and was wondering if anyone has any experience with it. I have a 1/16" , 3/16" LOC 4 flute Hertel bit I plan to use so any suggestions of speeds and feeds would be welcome. I'm guessing I zero my bit on the high spots of the treads?? All tips and suggestions are welcome as well.
Thanks!
This is going to be interesting. Aluminum makes a real mess cutting, Years ago when I worked for Boeing they used templates and an overhead router to cut out some parts. They used an oil emulsion for cutting fluid and the chips flew everywhere and stuck to everything along with the cutting fluid. If I remember right they used a 1/4" straight bit. not something I would want to do.
Herb
Do you know what the alloy is? I've cut 6061 with a 1/8" o flute bit. Speed was 10,000 and feed was 20ipm. Very shallow cuts. I would not attempt it with a 1/16" bit.
Here is how I remember aluminum being cut.I'm about cut some aluminum tread plate for the first time and was wondering if anyone has any experience with it. I have a 1/16" , 3/16" LOC 4 flute Hertel bit I plan to use so any suggestions of speeds and feeds would be welcome. I'm guessing I zero my bit on the high spots of the treads?? All tips and suggestions are welcome as well.
Thanks!
that's just for starters...You have to wear a water proof apron too.
HErb