RP Designs
Plastic
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2009
- Location
- California, USA
I guess I should preface this by saying I am a learning hobbyist and not a professional so I am seeking some guidance. I am working on learning CNC machining and am starting to get a handle on some of the simpler things. One thing I seem to be struggling a bit with is end mills. I have been shopping around and trying a variety of end mills just to see what works and what doesn't. I have done the Enco cheap HSS import mills only to find that they break surprisingly easy. I have had better luck with their Putnam end mills which seem to work fairly decent but I am looking for a bit more. For now, I am only working in Aluminum so that is what I am shopping for. I am running a 3HP knee mill based CNC machine set up to run 6K rpm with flood coolant.
First, for the learner, what is a good end mill (what brand) to use that will produce a good surface finish while being fairly forgiving of a newbies ham fisted techniques?
Should I stick with HSS or will I gain much by switching to carbide?
Anyone have any other words of wisdom?
First, for the learner, what is a good end mill (what brand) to use that will produce a good surface finish while being fairly forgiving of a newbies ham fisted techniques?
Should I stick with HSS or will I gain much by switching to carbide?
Anyone have any other words of wisdom?