Machining Koa (Wood)

[macona]

I am working on a project where I am profile CNC machining the hull of a scale model of a barge. It is being made out of Koa. About 37" long.

Has anyone machined this stuff?

 

[exkenna]

Let's see if this works. (1st try on the new board).

Wasn't sure if the image would make it thru the PM so posted it here. This is the 1" 2 flute version I told you about in PM.
The 3/4" is a single flute tool. It should still work well since you're not out for mass production.

 

[Mike-Mat]

I machined a piece of Koa for my brothers guitar once. That stuff is hard. Burned up some HSS end mills.

Mike Mattera
Tips For Mfg.
http://www.tipsforcadcam.com

 

[oldmech]

Years ago I carved a chess set from koa. I think it cut like sugar or white maple. but much more expensive.
re

 

[Ken Warmoth]

Koa machines just fine as long as you use cutters with woodworking geometry - not metal working. There is a vast difference between the two. Koa burns easily if your rpms and feed rate aren't kept high. We cut it at 12,000 rpms and feeds of 120 - 150 ipm on our VMCs and have no problems at all. Carbide is much better than hss.

 

[Frank Ford]

Ken -

Welcome to the sandbox! Your input will be a valuable contribution to us here. Dan and I will be doing our usual "stand and deliver" at the GAL convention again this year, so we'll try to make the usual side trip out to see our favorite wood munching factory. . .

Cheers,

Frank Ford
FRETS.COM
Gryphon Stringed Instruments
My Home Shop Pages