Cutting 3/4" Melamine

[nat_wheatley]

3/8" compression bit, PRS Alpha, 3/4" melamine, through cut with single pass...what feed rates and spindle speeds should I be aiming for? I've been cutting at 5 ips, 16K RPMS, going through bits way too quickly. Fairly sure my RPM's are way too high...

[richards]

The chip-load calculator shows that a 2-flute cutter moving at 5-ips and producing a chip-load of 0.015" should be spinning at 10,000 RPM.

My 3hp Colombo has constant torque at 12,000 RPM to 18,000 RPM, so I would try to bump the speed up to 6-ips and run the spindle at 12,000 RPM.

[Gary Campbell]

Nat..
try 12K-13.5K at that speed. make sure chips are warm and bits about the temp of 15 minute old coffee...warm but wont burn your fingers..
Sorry... dont know how to say this in METRIC

[nat_wheatley]

Thanks guys, I'll give that a go.

Gary,

I'd settle for French?

[wberminio]

Gary
just wondering if that's espresso or drip?

[gabepari]

15 minute old coffee is yellow in my shop
Still warm though




Gabe (Yes it's Sunday and I'm working) Pari

[Gary Campbell]

Gabe...
I resemble that remark! Just got done cutting 20 sheets.

Nat...
You settled for Metric, I am sure that you would!

Gary

[thewoodcrafter]

I have not been cutting melamine in 1 pass but do cut in 2 passes as follows-

1 flute compression bit at 12,000RPM 8IPS .4" first pass.
Bits last quite long.

[nat_wheatley]

GC..relentless..you'll get yours, Focker!