We are milling slots into aluminum tube and are wondering what the best
end mill material might be. Does anyone have any suggestions for the
fastest and cleanest cutting?

Thanks

The biggest improvement to cutting aluminum is to flood it with
coolant/lubricant. Various types of the stuff have differing amounts of a
desire to stick to the cutter but they all have the problem. Sharp HSS
cutters will do just fine and don't bother with carbide as it just doesn't
sharpen quite as well as HSS.

--
Why do penguins walk so far to get to their nesting grounds?

jim244a writes:

Does anyone have any suggestions for the fastest and cleanest cutting?

Roughing type helps if you can accept the finish.

jim244a wrote:

We are milling slots into aluminum tube and are wondering what the best
end mill material might be.

I would prefer carbide for aluminium. The mill has a different geometry
and the flutes are polished. Flooding with coolant is a must. You have
to get away the chips.


Nick
--
Motor Modelle // Engine Models
http://www.motor-manufaktur.de
DIY-DRO // Eigenbau-Digitalanzeige
http://www.yadro.de

"Bob May" wrote in message
. ..
The biggest improvement to cutting aluminum is to flood it with
coolant/lubricant. Various types of the stuff have differing amounts of a
desire to stick to the cutter but they all have the problem. Sharp HSS
cutters will do just fine and don't bother with carbide as it just doesn't
sharpen quite as well as HSS.

Add to that, using a high flight angle mill will help clear out all those
chips more readily.

I've got only one of those, in 3/16", and it virtually makes a rain of chips
when everything is cutting right. Stuff flies UP off the mill, instead of
out sideways.

LLoyd

I have one of those in 1/2" it cuts aluminum very nice but does put a silver
tone to just about ever thing in the area. I would be a nice way to put
tinsel on the christmas tree.
"Lloyd E. Sponenburgh" wrote in message
...

"Bob May" wrote in message
. ..
The biggest improvement to cutting aluminum is to flood it with
coolant/lubricant. Various types of the stuff have differing amounts of
a
desire to stick to the cutter but they all have the problem. Sharp HSS
cutters will do just fine and don't bother with carbide as it just
doesn't
sharpen quite as well as HSS.

Add to that, using a high flight angle mill will help clear out all those
chips more readily.

I've got only one of those, in 3/16", and it virtually makes a rain of
chips when everything is cutting right. Stuff flies UP off the mill,
instead of out sideways.

LLoyd