Machining Lead Metal

[stevieboy]

Hello,

 

I have some Lead metal plates to CNC mill, about 1 inch thick and about a 10 inch diameter with a few 3/8 holes.

I looking for some suggestions on tooling, coolant , speeds , feeds

 

Thank you in advance for your help

[crazy^millman]

It cuts very nice lead helps you break a chip easier and also provides lubrication when cutting. We use to cut 12L14 all day long balls to the wall no problem.

 

SFM 1400 roughing. .025 per tooth feed rate inserted cutter, .032 per rev turning

SFM 2400 Finishing. .005 per tooth finishing .006-.008 per rev finishing decent finish. .002 per tooth, .0025 per rev for glass finish.

Tools standard postive cutting tools should be no problem.

 

Should look at Dynamic tool paths without coolant might blow you mind how fast you can really push the tools through this stuff.

 

HTH

[BernieT]

Crazy, I think he means 'lead' as in fishing weights, not ledloy steel.

 

 

 

.

[stevieboy]

Yes.. its 'lead' as in fishing weights

I'll be starting with 12 inch square 1 inch thick.

using a vacuum plate.

 

Thanks

[chip]

It might be easier to make a mold and pour it.... I've made lead weights before.

[stevieboy]

An Aluminum Mold with drafted sides... maybe...

[chip]

Sort of serious you don't have to draft anything if its that thin. I made an entrance hole and an exit hole. The stuff melts at 98.8 deg F. Cut the gates. Melted a led hammer and went fishing!