NEED HELP !!! How do I cut solid surface countertops???

[wantone]

OK Here goes, I just got our new/used 05 prt alpha 120X60 put together and we would like to integrate it into our fabrication business without any or much damage caused by that darn learning curve. 5hp Colombo spindle. I would like some advice on tooling, cut speeds, etc. If anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated.

[billp]

Bruce,
Sounds like it would be a great idea for you to stop in at the Winter Garden Camp Shopbot next weekend. There will be a number of people there who can answer questions for you...
In the interim try www.onsrud.com (http://www.onsrud.com) for some suggested starting points on your feeds/speeds. etc.

[elcruisr]

Bruce, you're welcome to come to the Winter Garden Camp at my shop. I cut and carve solid surface from time to time and would be glad to help/talk!

[wantone]

I have already rsvp'ed my attendance at the camp but was hoping to get a bit of a start at least maybe order some tooling so I could have some more intelligent questions by then, Thanks for the fast response and i'm looking forward to meeting you all.
thanks bruce

[elcruisr]

The Onsrud site should have some good tooling info and feed / speed guidlines. For really smooth cuts I favor an Onsrud 60-244 down spiral. For general cutting in solid surface a 63-730 up spiral is a good option as well. I generally like the 3/8" tools over the 1/4" whenever possible.

[bcammack]

You're in luck! Give ShopBot a call. They have a staff member with years of experience in solid surface and can give you a lot of guidance.

(sadly, I cannot recall his name. I can't recall what I had for breakfast yesterday, either, fwiw, even though I can remember things from when I was three. go figure...)

[wcsg]

Active Machining makes a nice 2 flute compression at around $36.00

[Brady Watson]

You don't need fancy tooling to cut solid surface. If you want to try cutting some, just use a 2-flute end mill. It cuts like butter. Watch your stepdown distance per pass.

-B

[wantone]

Thanks for the info, i will order some bits and cut away.

[elcruisr]

Ahh, Brady, with the right tooling you can cut it in a single pass and fast as well. For me production speed trumps cheaper tooling!

[Brady Watson]

Eric,
Yes...you are correct. I was implying that if one were inclined to try cutting, that's where I would start. Everybody has a 2-flute end mill/upcut spiral...don't they?

-B

[elcruisr]

Boy, I hope so!