Speeds and Feeds for .080 Aluminum?

[Hobodog2]

Can anyone suggest proper speeds and feeds for cutting .080 Aluminum?

I am using Amana .250 Aluminum cutting bits. Also, what pass depths do you recommend.

[SomeSailor]

I cut aluminum all the time and usually make two passes at .65 ips or so at 14000 RPM. I get good chip loads and clean edges. Tool life is acceptable as well.

[Hobodog2]

Thanks for the input Mike - I have had bad luck with .080 aluminum before, I will try your settings.

[MogulTx]

I would use a ramp setting and a pass depth of about .03" I use a faster speed at about 1.3 to 1.39 ips and .5 for plunge speed. ( I vary it depending on the TYPE of aluminum. Softer aluminum gums up the bits. I am not familiar with your bit- so YMMV). I usually am only cutting .04-.062 aluminum. I usually am cutting 5051 or 6061 aluminum...

Check your edge quality and see if your speed works well. If not, SLOW it down.

Last night I did 12 very big pieces of aluminum at 1.39/.5 and 10.5K, with a ramp cut and a 1/4" Upturn bit. I was only taking off roughly .032 off the edge, but it did a spectacular job... The cuts took about 4 hours, but the time was well worth it. The customer is thrilled (which means I am thrilled).

[SomeSailor]

I'm doing boat dash panels that are laminated with an acrylic sheet and I get through the ~ .135" overall thickness in three passes of .050" it leaves just enough material for the last pass to clean the edges well, and just enough in the first pass to get through the .030" acrylic on the first pass as well.

I've done hundreds (thousands) or lineal feet of this and the Amana bits hold up well and do a respectable job. Sometimes on the outside (visible) edges, I'll run a small belt sander across the edge to dress it up.

[MogulTx]

Cool. I did some dash panels for a nice big boat this past year. I will see if I have some pictures of it. They were fun and a nice switch out for the plastic ones that had been on the boat...