End Mill for Surfacing aluminum blank before cutting

Community Discussion šŸƒšŸ¼ Tools & Speeds
1

Hi:

I need to surface an aluminum blank before I cut it. The top has one surface irregularity that I need to eliminate. I wondered if I could use the same end mill I use for surfacing the wasteboard, but that isnā€™t advisable (itā€™s 1 1/4"). Iā€™m thinking of my trusty 1/4" two flute upcut.

Does anyone have any other suggestions? thanks

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Iā€™ve done some aluminum cutting with an 1/8" bit and it worked well. (Made a very small " throttle body" for a mockup engine). You will have to calculate chip load for your ā€œspeeds and feedsā€ and may also need cooling solution. I used rubbing alcohol (works fantastically for aluminum). Iā€™ve found the hardest part with aluminum is proper chip extraction/ ejection so it doesnā€™t clog the endmill. Also if surfacing try to position the piece close to one of the corners of the machine to reduce deflection in the gantries. (There isnā€™t much but every little bit helps). Iā€™m very much a novice but thatā€™s what has worked for me :+1:

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@Shawn These may give you some ideas