Cutting steel low carbon on X2

[pfv]

I bought a 2nd hand X2 like machine,
add a spring air and some digital readouts ...

I try to cut steel low carbon using an 8mm slot mill.
1000 RPMS , 0.4 mm cutting deep and just a 1.5 mm/s feeding.

results:
... chatter, vibration, poor surface ....

Is 0.045 mm/theet-revolution too much for X2?

Could someone give me some suggestions/share experiences ?

thanks

paolo

 

[tel]

Welcome paolo.

1000 rpm sounds way to high to me, cut the speed right back and then ease it up until you are getting a decent result

 

[ChrisB]

Hi paolo

As an X2 user myself I have to agree with tel, 1000RPM does sound a little high. I don't machine Aluminium this fast on the X2.

It would also be worth checking that the gib strips are correctly tightened, if this is something you have not done before this is actually a lot easier than it first seems. Additionally how many flutes does your cutter have? You say it is a slot mill, so I am assuming that this is a 2 flute cutter, I find these tricky to use on the X2 and they tend to produce more vibration than that of their 4 flute brothers. IMHO.

 

[kvom]

Gwizard says 746 RPM @ .8 IPM.

 

[Anko]

hi

a tip that's work for the lathe and mill, when you are cutting, and the machine start to vibrate and screaming, then you have to reduce the RPM or the feed, like searching an equilibrium between the 2 speeds, when the cut starts to feel good, then you got it

when cutting low carbon steel like 1020, i always use cooling lubricant for the end mill, this helps in that problem too.

Saludos!

 

[Jasonb]

I'd try half the speed and quater the feed plus a bit of cutting fluid.

J

 

[pfv]

Hi all,
thanks and sorry for late answer.

ChrisB
I spent some time trying to have a better Z axis dovetail ...
I replaced original gib with a brass one.
usually i close the Z gib before milling.

I changed end mill, now I use a 4 flutes, reduce a little the speed and decrease the feeding.
Cutting fluid helps to have a better surface.

X2 is not designed to handle lo carbon Steel ! isn't it ?

pfv