My Build - I blame you lot for this....!

**John S** · 05-08-2009

Try LanfairPG :rofl:

**John S** · 05-08-2009

Steve,
The problem is recutting chips, the less flutes the better as it's not the cutting action that's the problem, it's the space for the chips to go.
A single flute router cutter works best in alloy unless you buy special cutters.

Even then you need coolant, well more lubricant to be precise to stop the welding to the tool.

WD40 is advise for aleoy and it works well but being tight I make my own, 75% paraffin and 25% ATF or any light hydraulic oil.

Modify an oild spray gun to give you plenty of air but just a dribble of knacker laqueur.

.

**Lee Roberts** · 05-08-2009

John replyed as i was typing my reply out.

**John S** · 05-08-2009

Learn to type faster.:nope:
.

**HiltonSteve** · 06-08-2009

Been playing with my machine again trying to get aluminium to cut nice and...

John, you were right. (No suprise there then!

)

Tried a few different methods of profiling some 2mm aluminium sheet and came to the conclusion that slower is better with these 3 flute cutters that I have.

After various speeds and welding some ali to a 3mm cutter (is there an easy way to get it off without breaking the tool??) I ended up with the kress set on 1 and cutting at 100mm/min with a full 2mm cut straight through the plate, started chipping lovely, gave it a squirt of wd40 and vacuumed the chips up now and again.

I believe that any reasonably built router will be capable of cutting ali with the right speeds and feeds as the cutting forces are very low.

I think I will be able to go a bit quicker with the 2 flute ali master cutters that I have ordered but I will let you know tomorrow.

So here is a photo of my new Z axis sideplate.....

**HiltonSteve** · 07-08-2009

Originally Posted by Hemsworthlad

SMcnc!!. . . . . . You got that right we all must be Sado Macochists to do this.:rofl:

I was thinking more down the lines of Smoking Monkey CNC but you do have a point...

**HiltonSteve** · 08-08-2009

Just made an ali part with my new Ali Master cutters, using these compared to my 3 flute carbide cutters is like night and day.

No clogging, cuts easier, faster feedrates and a better finish.

If anyone is thinking of cutting ali on your router (yes Kip, cutting aluminium on your router!) then get some of these. Best £7.00 I have spent in ages.

**MikeyC38** · 10-08-2009

Hi HiltonSteve - Great build - I'm going to be using 80x40 extrusions on my build. How thick are the ally tool plates supporting the 80x40 sides on your build?

Thanks

Mike

**HiltonSteve** · 10-08-2009

15mm.

If you pm me your email i will send you the drawing if you want it.

**Kammo1** · 10-08-2009

Hi Steve haven't posted in a long time as my computer is as sick as a skegness donkey and a bit temperamental but have managed to get back on the net and must say what a fantastic machine and after seeing that I have gave up on my MDF "SPECIAL" and will go the aluminium rout. I see you had a good mentor Mr John S what a great bloke and I must e-mail him and try and get my build back on track and what to do next. That is the sort of machine I would like to build and I also live in Long Eaton literally 5 mins away from John and I see your in Derby what a small world eh? Would love to see that baby working bro maybe some time........