Hello,
I'm new to machining dovetails and looking for some information. Specifically, I'm interested in machining O-Ring dovetails similar to the ones attached (Both trapezoid cross-sections and ones with a flat vertical wall). What do I need to watch out for? What are good references for feeds & speeds? Chip loads? Do you cut both sides of the angled walls at the same time? What are the pros & cons of using a solid tool vs. a tool with inserts (Tolerance? Cost? Repeatability? etc). I'm cutting standard metallic materials such as Aluminum or Steel. I know these can be turned as well, but right now I'm looking for milling on 3, 4 or 5 axis mills.
I believe you usually cut the rectangular portion of the slot with a standard mill and then go back with the dovetail mill - are there rules of thumb for this? (Cut depth to the slot bottom? Over / under slot bottom by a couple thousands of an inch? etc.) Is the standard mill the same size as the pocket? under sized?
Thanks in advance for any assistance.
I'm new to machining dovetails and looking for some information. Specifically, I'm interested in machining O-Ring dovetails similar to the ones attached (Both trapezoid cross-sections and ones with a flat vertical wall). What do I need to watch out for? What are good references for feeds & speeds? Chip loads? Do you cut both sides of the angled walls at the same time? What are the pros & cons of using a solid tool vs. a tool with inserts (Tolerance? Cost? Repeatability? etc). I'm cutting standard metallic materials such as Aluminum or Steel. I know these can be turned as well, but right now I'm looking for milling on 3, 4 or 5 axis mills.
I believe you usually cut the rectangular portion of the slot with a standard mill and then go back with the dovetail mill - are there rules of thumb for this? (Cut depth to the slot bottom? Over / under slot bottom by a couple thousands of an inch? etc.) Is the standard mill the same size as the pocket? under sized?
Thanks in advance for any assistance.