Simple Brass Machining Question

[BBOwen]

Guys I am not a machinist, so I need advice.

My boss has me machining some brass kick plates on the GR-510 router.

I want to use a high speed 2d path if possible.

 

The stock needs a 2.25" wide X .125" deep pocket around the outside.

 

I am using a 3/4" carbide endmill and a kool mist.

 

What speed and feeds would you guys use on this?

 

[BBOwen]

Is there another forum where a guy can get some help?

[3R!< W3NG3R]

I would start at 1300 RPM and use .002" per tooth feed rate. I don't know for sure if a router can handle normal speeds and feeds though.

 

Next time, the off topic side would be a better place to ask this. (more people)

[Michael Sullivan]

I haven't machined brass in years and it is tough to say with machine and workholding factors but.......... I did some calculations and I think you should start around.

 

2667 rpm and 21 IPM

 

you could always speed it up/slow it down judging by how it sounds.

 

[ 07-22-2009, 11:09 AM: Message edited by: Michael Sullivan @ Blackhawk Mgmt ]

[Gary]

How deep you going? Soft or hard brass 360 soft or ampco hard. I would just cut around with contour. I don't think the hsm toolpath will be needed if soft brass it cuts real nice.

[micr0]

If it's 360 you don't need the mist, and air blast will be fine. With a carbide cutter 650 to 1000sfm is good. I use 3flt cutters for AL from Imco that seem to last forever. With a .03corner rad you can run a .5" cutter at 7500 and 80+ipm (I'v pushed them as high as 120ipm. For the harder stuff cut those numbers in half and use mist or flood. I have found that the harder brass loves to heat up and heat the cutter too. 360 puts the heat into the chip.

[Scott Garrison@Weiler Engineering]

Use a smaller tool!!! That 3/4" tool will probably grab the material and bend it inless you play musical clamps all the way around.

 

At .125 thick you could use a 5/16" 2flt. end mill and just contour it.

 

Your machine and how well you are holding the material will determine what you run at. Remember, Speeds & Feeds are more related to tool life than anything.