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Don Foreman Don Foreman is offline
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Default Milling gummy aluminum- advice?

On Sun, 02 May 2010 16:49:49 -0400, axolotl
wrote:

I am making some rack mounts out of (presumably 6063) 2x2x1/4 angle. My
results are not good. I am using a new, sharp, two flute 3/8" end mill
with WD-40 as cutting fluid. Spindle speed is about 2800; I started
slower and went up to get better results. I am cutting both sides of the
slot.
I am experiencing tearout, vibration and a lousy finish.

Motherly advice?

Kevin Gallimore


The cutting fluid I usually use on aluminum is Goo-Gone. It contains
naphtha, citrus oils and D-limonene. Works a treat with aluminum,
even smells good.