router bits

[jerseysign]

We are having problems breaking bits cutting thru stainless steel?

Material we are cutting is .063.

Thanks

[Erik Sine]

We are having problems breaking bits cutting thru stainless steel?

Material we are cutting is .063.

Thanks

What are your feeds & speeds, hold down method, bit used?

[imanut]

We are having problems breaking bits cutting thru stainless steel?

Material we are cutting is .063.

Thanks

Good luck cutting stainless with a router ------ we tried everything available at the time, and finally quit.

gn

[jerseysign]

Material is .063 (1/8)

Have tried the slowest speed settings, the bit penetrates OK, but as soon as it starts traveling it breaks.

Vacuum table Precix

[Erik Sine]

Technically you're supposed to be using a 3 flute bit (upcut Helix Belin) at a max depth of 3/32" per pass for a 1/8" CED bit, at about 9,100-9,200 RPM's @ .183" IPS. Moving VERY slow, spraying lots of lube and air as it's cutting, that tip is going to get since you are not cutting through on the first pass. IMO, take it to a water jet.

These bits are expensive

[imanut]

Technically you're supposed to be using a 3 flute bit (upcut Helix Belin) at a max depth of 3/32" per pass for a 1/8" CED bit, at about 9,100-9,200 RPM's @ .183" IPS. Moving VERY slow, spraying lots of lube and air as it's cutting, that tip is going to get since you are not cutting through on the first pass. IMO, take it to a water jet.

These bits are expensive

Is that a more technical way of saying "good luck" ??? If you were engraving into stainless - you'd stand a chance. But cutting .063 material like we do for signs --- trouble. You might contact Onsrud and ask the professionals ---------- but between bits, and ruined material, and wasting lots of time ---------those are letters that you sub out to US Signs. They do awesome work --- and I doubt you can make the letters for the cost.

Here's their contact info if you want it----only becaause there seems to be several US Signs.

Susan Whitmore

US Sign

One Trefoil Drive

Trumbull, CT 06611

Business: 1-203-601-1000

Business Fax: 1-203-601-1020

E-mail: susan.whitmore@ussign.com

E-mail Display As: susan.whitmore@ussign.com

gn

[jerseysign]

Thanks, we have used US sign and yes they are good. This is a simple project realy, its part of a much larger brake formned cladding job.

All we are really tring to do is cut some 2" x 10" strips for an interior directory sign, I suppose the shear would work, but hink they were supposed to have rounded corners...

[Erik Sine]

If it's lettering and volume, try and find a local guy ( I have plenty almost every street corner someone has a either a laser, rotary or water), and everyone charges about the same $100.00 -$150.00 per hour no matter what their cutting. I have about four guys I sub to, I choose all based on their time frame.

[Erik Sine]

I wonder how big Gary's Rolodex is?

[imanut]

I wonder how big Gary's Rolodex is?

That's funny --- but in reality, it's actually pretty large.

[RJP Signs]

We are having problems breaking bits cutting thru stainless steel?

Material we are cutting is .063.

Thanks

L&M in Fairfield< waterjet, good guys!

[limacchina]

The most important for working stainless is the bit shank length and the feedrate, and also spindle RPM. Normally you should cut in several passes to achieve the best result.

Mary

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

a fan of sign making and technology of sign making

LIMAC CNC Router makes your sign making experience enjoying and easy and fast!

www.limac.cc

[Andy]

Like others have said the best thing to do visa vie routing stainless steel is to forget it.

We tried a few tests routing stainless and it was a messy, expensive and slow way of turning good sheet stock into cr@ppy metal parts.

We ended up buying a water jet... when you see how quickly and cleanly these machines slice through stainless it becomes a no brainer to forget the whole idea of routing metal.

[Signworksinc]

We are having problems breaking bits cutting thru stainless steel?

Material we are cutting is .063.

Thanks

try a really good carbide bit with oil to lube

Edited September 14, 2009 by Signworksinc

[jerseysign]

Thanks for all the replys. Looks like we found a local source to water jet our sheets.

[RJP Signs]

Thanks for all the replys. Looks like we found a local source to water jet our sheets.

My I ask whom? We use waterjet services and like to have backup vendors

[thomaserb]

Thanks for all the replys. Looks like we found a local source to water jet our sheets.

For stainless a laser is usually the most cost effective. In the past on a CNC milling machine I've used special bits and multiple "Z" passes.

In the Eastern Massachusetts area, we offer 3 Axis Contract Abrasive Waterjet cutting available for cutting metals and plastics up 8" thick. Maximum sheet size 6' x 12'. Send artwork or cad files to sales@electrictime.com

Edited September 14, 2009 by thomaserb