Perfect beginner end mills for Aluminium (CNC Router)

Рет қаралды 271,977

5 жыл бұрын

In this video I’ll test six low budget end mills for milling aluminium on a CNC router.
Affiliate links to the end mills:
Tool 1: ⅛ inch 2 flute: bit.ly/2N2DyEE
Tool 2: 4 mm 3 flute: bit.ly/2N2DPXZ
Tool 3: 5 mm 3 flute: bit.ly/2N2DPXZ
Tool 4: 4 mm 2 flute: bit.ly/2N1KYb2
Tool 5: 4 mm 2 flute: bit.ly/2SxnT6g
Tool 6: 6 mm 2 flute chamfer: bit.ly/2tmihfX
(Tool 1 3:00 Tool 2 7:17 Tool 3 11:50 Tool 4 12:48 Tool 5 14:40 Tool 6 15:36)
Blogpost, tool library and fusion files: bit.ly/2BzwQ4B
After many hours of doing tests with cutting aluminium on my CNC router I reached a high enough skill level that that almost all of my operations succeed. Getting to this point has resulted in many broken end mills. Lately I am investing in high quality tooling to get even better performance when milling aluminium on my CNC 6040 router. The low budget tools that I used for all the testing where in the $0,50 to $5 dollar price range. The high quality tools that I recently added to my collection cost $35 or more. I have changed my work approach to prevent these expensive tools from breaking.
The main cause of tool damage is a mistake in the g-code. Testing new CAM settings, materials or workholding are still activities with a high chance of a mistake.The first part of my new work approach is that I only use the expensive tools on operations that I've tested with the low budget tools. The second change is the implementation of the fusion 360 CAM templates. With these templates it’s possible to save CAM operations that have work well. When starting on a new workpiece you can just regreate the operation on the new workpiece. With the use of the templates the chance of making a mistake is very small.
In this first end mill test video I selected six tools that were super cheap but still good enough to cut 6060 Aluminum on my CNC 6040 router. In future video’s I would like to test more end mills both in the low budget category (below $5) and the medium to high priced tooling.
Do you have suggestion on end mills I should test in my next video? Please leave a comment in the comment section below.
Affiliate links to the end mills:
Tool 1: ⅛ inch 2 flute: bit.ly/2N2DyEE
Tool 2: 4 mm 3 flute: bit.ly/2N2DPXZ
Tool 3: 5 mm 3 flute: bit.ly/2N2DPXZ
Tool 4: 4 mm 2 flute: bit.ly/2N1KYb2
Tool 5: 4 mm 2 flute: bit.ly/2SxnT6g
Tool 6: 6 mm 2 flute chamfer: bit.ly/2tmihfX
music credits:
first track:
50 $tants (Instrumental Hip-Hop Beat) by Clapp&theBassPhysician / clapandthebass. .
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported- CC BY 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
second track:
Buddha by Kontekst / kontekstmusic
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported- CC BY 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
third track:
50 $tants (Instrumental Hip-Hop Beat) by Clapp&theBassPhysician / clapandthebass. .
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported- CC BY 3.0
fourth track:
Life Is by Cosimo Fogg (201) / cosimo-fogg
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported- CC BY 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b…
fifth track:
Hold On by Joakim Karud / joakimkarud
Creative Commons - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported- CC BY-SA 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b…
sixth track:
Chill Soul Rap Instrumental by Nkato / nkato
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported- CC BY 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b…
seventh track:
Title: Parasail
Artist: Silent Partner

Пікірлер: 273

@MBcreates 5 жыл бұрын

Links to the end mills: Tool 1: ⅛ inch 2 flute: bit.ly/2N2DyEE Tool 2: 4 mm 3 flute: bit.ly/2N2DPXZ Tool 3: 5 mm 3 flute: bit.ly/2N2DPXZ Tool 4: 4 mm 2 flute: bit.ly/2N1KYb2 Tool 5: 4 mm 2 flute: bit.ly/2SxnT6g Tool 6: 6 mm 2 flute chamfer: bit.ly/2tmihfX

@hyperhektor7733 4 жыл бұрын

9:50 if the sound doesn't give you a hint where the optimal setting is, then watch on the chipsize/form.At 8:50 looks good to me. Whats your reason to switch to 40$ tools? i focus more on the midleground performance/money. These Tialin-tools are like that (nr.4 on your list) Did you already tested Wolfram carbide burrs, you can easily work on hard steel with handtools, I was suprised myself. Maybe it works on CNC too. (www.ebay.com/itm/Bits-Engraving-Cutting-PCB-Machine-Carbide-Edge-Cutter-Milling-Cutter-End-Mill/133142897588?hash=item1effef63b4:m:m0pQHRDDtlgH2r-t15TJEXw www.ebay.com/itm/10Pcs-1-8-0-8-3-17mm-PCB-Engraving-Cutter-Rotary-CNC-End-Mill-Drill-Bit-Set/372683097189?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D57922%26meid%3D58e33273a52e49b68f9e29050985e6f7%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D153512212228%26itm%3D372683097189%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

@Timb0NZ 4 жыл бұрын

Which tool was best?

@endtongbasri9823 4 жыл бұрын

Give 1

@brentonk461 Жыл бұрын

Worked as CNC programmer operator, both milling and lathe, done my apprenticeship as engineering Toolmaker for a decade and half, I don't do it anymore, definitely won't work for a boss ever again, but I would'nt mind getting a little machine like that one for myself, I can't imagine it being highly accurate, but it seams to do alright for its size. Line left for finishing. Ti-Ni coated hss for aluminium. I don't need to test it, I know it works. For a machine that is Not ridgid, I have found line right can be helpful when roughing out to prevent the tools from digging in. Also The type of flood or mist coolant, cutting fluid you use is critical to achieve best finish, although you can cut dry, but it is more likely to fur up.

@motopreserve 5 жыл бұрын

Very helpful. Thanks for posting such an in-depth review. I have had great luck with some of the cheaper end mills I've used, and horrible results with some more expensive options. Finding the balance between quality tools and proper feeds and speeds is a constant challenge. Appreciate your efforts!

@DavidM2002 2 жыл бұрын

I've been doing hobby CNCing for about 15 years now and recently went back to the basics. I experimented with end mills, feeds & speeds, etc. But the one thing that I found that you will give you the biggest improvement on your finish is clearing out those chips. I use compressed air routed through LocLine flex tubing with a very fine nozzle. Just a few pounds of air pressure is all you need. Yes, coolant / lubricant and the right end mill are important but unless you get those chips out of there, they will just be ground between the cutter and the work piece. One further step in that regard is when doing the initial cut, set your software to leave a finishing allowance - I leave about .030". Before you make your final cut to remove that finishing allowance, get every last chip out.

@guyincognito-1 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thanks for making everything nice and clear. I built an MPCNC last year and have got wood figured out and now I'm planning to move into milling aluminum. Subscribed!

@rickmccaskill7888 4 жыл бұрын

Really great video. Very helpful to me, learned a lot. Love how you documented everything do well. Thank you.

@aam50 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks - that's a really useful video and has saved me a lot of time, materials and broken bits.

@sennabullet 4 жыл бұрын

Super helpful video. You have my subs...looking forward to seeing more videos from you!

@tinmanx2222 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the indepth video. I visited your website and also found the information indepth and inciteful.

@MBcreates 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, That’s is great to hear!

@MrApmotos 2 жыл бұрын

great video

@CNCFloripa 5 жыл бұрын

Great video, congratulations. To help. Usually Climb Milling has better finish for aluminum. Test. :)

@cboyamg 5 жыл бұрын

I have zero experience with CNC routing of any kind. However i have a decent amount with a table router... When routing aluminum, to get the smoothest finish i found slowing down the rpm of the router yields the best results

@spudnickuk 2 жыл бұрын

I love your videos and can relate to what you do, wish you could to a Cam setup tutorial :)

@alish2852 4 жыл бұрын

FANTASTIC

@gzcwnk 5 жыл бұрын

Useful, thankyou.

@metalsliver4325 5 жыл бұрын

Get rid of particle board, use a solid steel or aluminum sacrificial plate. To reduce vibration. Get a mist/air sprayer. Check out a book on feeds and speeds

@LordOfChaos.x 3 жыл бұрын

@@MainCharacterDotX how? End mills are made for steel

@williamsilva5701 5 жыл бұрын

Your voice is sooooo soothing! You should make some guided meditation.... peace

@Kaomomak 5 жыл бұрын

Hey Bud, do you want to share Mach 3 set up. Bdw all your videos very educative. Thanks

@myyoutubeaccount4282 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@speway 9 ай бұрын

Delicious!!

@ulisescuellar4457 4 жыл бұрын

I noticed some of the recommended tools are altin coated. Which is a huge no no - reason being is the aluminum part of the Altin coating, allows aluminum to weld to the coating , which decreases edge sharpness. Try zirconia coating and ticn

@android4cg 4 жыл бұрын

Great video !!! Did you already make the video with high end tools?

@javiervillacieros1984 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, Nice video, thanks for shearing!. CAn you tell how did you connect the limit switches cables to the CNC controller? thanks

@mickamoi7790 2 жыл бұрын

thank you very much here is only that I see your answer. I am new to this field but I would like to be able to engrave on aluminum later. is it possible to change the engine to put a more powerful one to work with aluminum?

@servanetisne2167 4 жыл бұрын

Hi thank you for this helpful video and site could you please give me the ref or link for the machine? I was not able to recognize te brand in the video. Important for me because I mostly want to mill aluminium. regards Servane

@toddmolloy311 4 жыл бұрын

Nice video, Very surprised no O flutes in this lineup to rough though. ( mitigates the need for cutting fluid even though it's always better) and a straight 1/8" 2 flute for finishing

@TechStreamline 5 жыл бұрын

great videos. I bought a 6040Z and was very disappointed. I could not do anything in aluminum. I found everything very complex, from drawing to machining. I put the sale and so far I have not found a buyer. I preferred going to Laser that will suit me better. I see that I was using the wrong bits. although my greatest need is to make markings and not cuts. What bit to do engrave do you recommend? Congrats on the videos

@PiefacePete46 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, as always thanks. You do "Play chicken" with those mounting screws! I shut my eyes every time... not good for an old boy's heart. :o)

@tld8102 4 жыл бұрын

Can you make a list/kit/must have cnc kit? Like the kit having Vbits, endmills, bullnoses and chamfer tools? The kit being tailored to beginners, the right compromise between price and quality for hobbiests starting out with cnc

@hoam.4853 5 жыл бұрын

Hi, new subscriber here. Can you try milling iron and other materials? I also wonder what mods you can do to mill harder materials.

@opitk90nico 4 жыл бұрын

Hi, thanks for video, i have a question, where you buy cnc 6040 please

@hsuteh4016 2 жыл бұрын

Dear Sir There is a problem in your tool route Notice: 1. Go along ======> 2. Go backward

@pogle63 3 жыл бұрын

Can this machine cut sheet brass 2mm? Looks really cool your videos are really good

@sotkshadow8306 4 жыл бұрын

What kind of bits do you use for doing really fine details like a challenge coin etc

@gwheyduke 4 жыл бұрын

good video. I'm thinking of buying one of these routers.

@MBcreates 4 жыл бұрын

Go for it!

@zacharybell2884 Жыл бұрын

Great video. Thanks! Where do you get your aluminum?

@amitjangir9643 4 жыл бұрын

Super video please make a video on tutorial that how to make parts 3d design for cnc

@cncrim1 4 жыл бұрын

Go against the spindle rotation create a better bite on material, try clockwise on OD and counterclockwise on ID.

@szzkf 3 жыл бұрын

you could generate bridges to support the component and avoiding the blade to hide on the edges

@vespa2901 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video. Do you have any expierience with aluminium molding? Does it work on a 3 axis cnc? I mean due to the draft angles. I gues here it will have steps or i am wrong?

@Olfox2 3 ай бұрын

Hi Thanks a lot for the nice series of video. Thank to you, i bought the same setup and start aluminium few days ago. But i have a strange issue, i have a kind of step effect that is more and more the deeper it mills. I choose a really small layer deep (0.2mm) to avoid too much effort and go slowly into the material but it has no effect. I did the same part into mdf but i have not this issue. It is like the steper mottor loose precision with the time or with a more harder material. Do you have an idea may be ? Again thanks a lot for your job !

@mikeschoonmaker6839 5 жыл бұрын

hey what spindle are you using here? Looks larger than most for 6040. 2.2KW perhaps? Can you accommodate a 1/2" shaft bit?

@TheRealDunkelbund 5 жыл бұрын

Super Videos!! Mach bitte weiter so! Ach ja und pass auf das dein Boden nicht zerkrazt.😉

@MBcreates 5 жыл бұрын

What bodem?

@TheRealDunkelbund 5 жыл бұрын

MBcreates oh, parquet floor

@MBcreates 5 жыл бұрын

@aaronfonseca6031 4 жыл бұрын

1:05 what bit? Also, what feeds and speeds?

@romiolover6852 4 жыл бұрын

Great video please can you test Aliexpress cheap 6mm double flute end mill on aluminum

@graemegorrie3545 4 жыл бұрын

I notice your cutting with your offset to the right and in a conventional milling direction You will get better results going in the opposite direction with offset to the left it’s what is know as climb milling Hope this info helps

@goovaerg 3 жыл бұрын

What tool do you use to smooth an aluminum surface for let's say 1mm?

@dotcodesolutions5148 4 жыл бұрын

Hello there I want to make some little parts in 3 dimensions max. Size is 10mm in STAINLESS Steel & Aluminium which CNC would you suggest

@casualgaming3428 3 жыл бұрын

Hi new to watching your videos i have a question about you cnc could you share the models of your steeper motors are and what control board your cnc use and spindle model please

@judussanjose1547 3 жыл бұрын

What is the thickest aluminum you have cut I need to cut 2” or 50.8mm do you think this cnc would be good ?

@ZHodge050 2 жыл бұрын

Anyone got any recommendations for being new to cnc routers. I want to be able to mill out my own ar15 lowers is that tangible for a beginner or should I work up to it? Thanks.

@Pieh0 3 жыл бұрын

0:57 I'd love to know how that worked out :)

@NathanCroucher 2 жыл бұрын

I got a 3d printer i barely use, might as well buy one of these too.

@ramsesalejandromirandagamb7946 5 жыл бұрын

Hi. How powerful is your spindle?

@sphinx19 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, Happy New Year! You steel working whit this feeds and speeds? Try 2 mm Stepdown and 1/2 tool diameter Stepover and 0.025 mm per flute for cut and 5 mm SD, 0.1 mm stepover 0.015 mm per flute and max revs for finishes. By going so small on Stepdown the tool is working hard to start cutting the chip, so is skipping one cut just rubbing and next one bite too much wich results in cutter towable.

@daxliniere 2 жыл бұрын

What's the pink spray you're using? And the clear spray later in the video.

@goovaerg 3 жыл бұрын

What are the aluminium stock sizes you used?

@daxliniere 4 жыл бұрын

Great video! What spindle did you end up using on your machine?

@daxliniere 2 жыл бұрын

From what I've learned in the last year, this looks like a 3kW, I think?

@seanstark3422 4 ай бұрын

Is the 6040 a good CNC? What size of pieces can you mill? And lastly, have you used as a 5 axis setup?

@Reece.. Жыл бұрын

I'm just starting out, was looking to but this CNC router. Can you provide a link please? It will be use for aluminium primarily, which is why I'm interested in your machine and setup. Thank you for your time.

@randomdudewalkingdownthest8158 4 жыл бұрын

Will it work for aluminum 7075 t6?

@Timb0NZ 4 жыл бұрын

Are you using lead or ball screws?

@alexisolivan7712 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video, I have the same machine as you, when I use your settings, when the fall of the End Mills in the matter, I broke every time ... Do you know why? Thank you

@MBcreates 5 жыл бұрын

That’s hard to tell. Can you share a video of your attempts? Important is to use a helical path when you go engage the material in the z direction. This the most risk full part of most cuts because in general end mills don’t like cutting in the z direction that much (that why why we use drill bits). You have to go really slow on this part of the operation. I keep 40-50 percent of the normal feed rate as rule of thumb. You can see it in the video on 4:52

@willywonka8730 5 жыл бұрын

Ever consider vacuuming your chips to prevent weld up and using a lubricating mist to prevent heat buildup?

@thenegotiator9701 5 жыл бұрын

Willy Wonka he uses mist cooling but no vacuuming

@UsmanGhani-df5cg 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent mind blowing video keep it up many love from Pakistan

@dare9189 2 жыл бұрын

Hi what cnc machine do you use? And do je try to cut steel ?

@TheBinklemNetwork 11 ай бұрын

And then there's me with a fox alien masuter pro with the 300w spindle, unable to mill a straight line in 1mm thick aluminum. This is still fun.

@arbjful 5 ай бұрын

Isn’t flood coolant better for this kind of milling operation?

@MKS_Design 5 жыл бұрын

really apperciate the effort to put these videos. Question if I may, Do you have any experience with the Stepcraft ? would you recommend for a beginner ? . thanks

@MBcreates 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I'm glad you liked them. I don’t have any experience with stepcraft, so I can’t give you any advice.

@MKS_Design 5 жыл бұрын

@@MBcreates thanks

@AR_Aero_Engineering Жыл бұрын

Got any updates links to the bits

@raulalvarado6886 4 жыл бұрын

Where can I get one of these machines??

@jeffreymuu5451 4 жыл бұрын

Not sure if it was covered in a previous video but was the air system already there or did you install it? Also thanks for all the info it really helps.

@MBcreates 4 жыл бұрын

Your welcome! The air system is self installed.

@Levsha74 2 жыл бұрын

Hi.can you pleaase tell where to buy this thickness aluminum plastin?

@rkillian7233 Жыл бұрын

What's the make of your CNC? I ask because we have one at work very like it. I'm trying to find a controller board for it. Thanks a lot.

@gioben5444 5 жыл бұрын

First! Nice work!

@crappyfpv9980 2 жыл бұрын

change to climb milling my friend. have you ever tried it?

@estibalizmartinezpardo2982 5 жыл бұрын

Hi! I'm Liz. I love your videos. I just bought this cnc and I would like if you could tell me what lubricant do you throw? and also how do you put water? Thank you!!!

@MBcreates 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Liz, Congrats on buying your machine! The red stuff is cutting oil and the other spray is WD40. It works but I don’t recommend anyone using it because of the health risks. easpacilty the WD40 gives me a slight headache if I use it to much. I’m searching for better and healthier alternatives I got the tip that sunflower oil works great for aluminum so I’m going to test this soon.

@goovaerg 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video again. Did you already test the sunflower oil. I'm very interested

@fixaweek7014 Жыл бұрын

Hello I see you are using a similar CNC machine that I have. I'm struggling to get my machine to cut or even recognize any G-code I load. I understand your using fusion 360 as your CAM software choice. Do you use MACH3 as your controller interface. What software do you use for design. I added limit switches to my machine and an auto tool zeroing tool. However my machine did not come with any documents or configuration files. any help would be appreciated. I am subscribed to your channel.

@goovaerg 4 жыл бұрын

Super vid. Just ordered my first cnc. Stepcraft 300. You think aluminium will cut ok with this cnc router

@MBcreates 4 жыл бұрын

Cool! I don't have experience with Stepcraft so I coudn't tell you ;)

@ripper22l 3 жыл бұрын

whats the power of your spindle motor?

@vapoureyes 2 жыл бұрын

Have the same machine but have a problem , When pressing the left or right arrow on laptop to move X it sometimes stops and goes the opposite direction.🤔 any ideas.

@TrooperManaic 2 жыл бұрын

how do you know when to spray lubricant??

@veste75 3 жыл бұрын

Hi there, i ma just in the process of purchasing one of these off ebay and still weary of software issues: I know that they run on windows 7 or xp and only on the 32 bit version; i am also aware that the sofware that comes with the machine is a demo version and i will need to keep away from updates to avoid casuing future issues or worst. What I would like to know is whether this pirated software can read files made witrh a different design programme like auotcad, solidworks or techsoft v3, a DFX file for example. I hope you can help.

@axqs2059 4 жыл бұрын

how big is your step motor?

@tomoster2840 5 жыл бұрын

A 3 flute vari-mill would also greatly help out your rigidity issue by breaking up the harmonics. Might be able to cut conventional with a vari then.

@MBcreates 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tom, any specific types/brand you would recommend?

@tomoster2840 5 жыл бұрын

Harvey Tool, YG-1, Widia, many others, or even custom endmill for $20-40 per tool. An endmill with a higher helix angle around 45°~55° might also help reduce side-cutting deflection by redirecting the cutting forces.

@MBcreates 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@dansv3872 3 жыл бұрын

What motor is the cnc using?

@Scugnizzu 10 ай бұрын

Hello is this CNC stock or modded? would it be similar to a 3040 with a 800w motor? thanks

@user-yx3my1tr5o 5 жыл бұрын

U need alcogol compressed air mist. Best result with it. try not to use the cutter less than 4 mm for adaptive milling and if you have to take the cutters no longer than the workpiece

@dragan24s 4 жыл бұрын

where can I buy machine like this one Europe area can you please advise me

@shannongreenhalgh 5 жыл бұрын

Hi there MBcreates. I have to ask you if you have setup the Auto tool touch-off for the Z-Axis on the CNCest with this motherboard BITSENSOR 4 Axis CNC MACH 3 USB Controller, And What are the port & pins for the auto tool ports ?

@MBcreates 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Shannon, No I haven’t installed the touch plate yet. Take a look at this forum thread: www.cnczone.com/forums/chinese-machines/346216-cnc.html

@thomasanderson1416 4 жыл бұрын

How expensive is the CNC machine?

@TheDanie1988 4 жыл бұрын

Hey, great Machining, can you maybe help me with the facemilling cutter? I need one for face milling, i like to buy that yellow one, can you share a link?

@RubSomefastOnIt 4 жыл бұрын

Buy or make a fly cutter you will be much happier.

@csq530 6 ай бұрын

Could I upgrade this machine for 316L STAINLESS STEEL?

@Reece.. Жыл бұрын

What is the build volume for this machine?

@stephensharma3259 4 жыл бұрын

Where to. buy a quality one

@wheredidileavemycell Жыл бұрын

Lowers and solvent trap parts :)

@luisvivanco8544 4 жыл бұрын

can you write details of your CNC, is ER11? thanks

@knowwell4497 3 жыл бұрын

What type of CNC machine you are using

@Sailingon 5 жыл бұрын

Great work, I have the smaller Machine which has unsupported rails on all axis, think I need to upgrade to a more sturdy machine I tried milling aluminium and the vibrations became unbearable

@MBcreates 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Samantha, Do you still have the standard machine bed? The loudest noises/vibrations with my machine were caused by the machine bed. When I upgraded mine these where all gone. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/sMqcn7CKzNmlm5s.html Even with a big piece of wood on your machine bed you get a big improvement. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rL2BnKWE1ZbdiIk.html

@therealstubot 5 жыл бұрын

I've found the same thing on my 6040. A larger tool ( 6-6.5mm ) requires more rigidity than my router has. I get better results from 3-4mm tools in aluminum. My 6040 is crazy strong in X and comically floppy in Y. I try to arrange my heavy cuts to be along X where possible. Even cutting wood along Y is chattery. I'm thinking that I need to install larger guide rods in the gantry to get a more rigid Y axis. For aluminum, I always keep a good air blast on the tool, and a little kerosene or WD40 dabbed on with a brush. I seem to get way better wall finish with climb milling over conventional. My workhorse aluminum bit is a kyocera 1/8th inch carbide 2 flute from ebay. They have a white collar. They're short though, but very stout and sharp. When I need some depth, I have some 1/8th inch cobra carbide bits that are long. They cut very nicely but break easily. I have some very cheap ebay 3mm 3 flute HSS bits that work ok, but go dull faster than they should.

@MBcreates 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Jeff, Thanks for your sharing the tools you use. I will certainly check them out. The difference in X and Y axis strength is something I experience too. I’ve noticed that many CNC 6040 users are having a different opinion about what the X and Y axis is. For me the longest side of the machine (the 60cm travel) is the Y-axis, and shortest side (the 40cm travel) the X-axis. Do you agree of do you have them the labeled opposite way? I’ve searched for info on this subject but couldn't find anything useful.

@therealstubot 5 жыл бұрын

@@MBcreates Hi, yes, I concur with you. Y is the long axis, while X is across. I guess it wouldn't really matter, unless you were sharing CAM files, and the parts you were making were sized such they would only fit one way. I also generally set my origin to the center of the part, and many of the parts I make are square or circular, so most of the time, X and Y don't matter to me, unless I have to cut a slot in aluminum. Then I have to be conscious of the axis or I'll certainly get horrible surface finish at best or snap a bit at worst. Love your content, thanks representing the 6040 community.

@MBcreates 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah it’s only annoying when talking talking to other people, you never know for sure if your talking about the same axis. Maybe we as community have to set a standard XD

@Unix_Based 5 жыл бұрын

Jeff Stewart: Try replacing the whacky guide rods with a heavy duty extrusion aluminium profile and two linear rails on it. Sure, a lot of parts has to be modified in order to make everything fit. But the people who had done it, are happy they did. i.warosu.org/data/diy/img/0006/70/1405832153529.png There are nuts and bolts available to fasten linear rails on them.

@therealstubot 5 жыл бұрын

@@Unix_Based Hi, thanks for the suggestion. I will likely just take it all apart, figure out the biggest rod I can fit, and mod the gantry to fit them. It looks like the current guide rods are about 12mm or half inch. Going to 16mm or 5/8 in. would be a doubling in stiffness. I'll use hardened, ground drill rod, and machine the guide bushings from oilite or SAE660 bronze. I have a lathe and mill, so this work would be easy for me. Just have to find a time when I don't have a month of project backlog to do.