Bit Recommendation

[ky_trikes]

I'm cutting a block of G10 1.2" thick. I need a recommendation for a 1/4" end mill that will hold up to this stuff. Also need suggested speeds and feeds. TIA

[dana_swift]

Kevin, I cut some G10 and G11 about 6 months ago, I experienced a lot of bit deflection, so be aware of that. I made samples for the customer which met spec, but I was bidding against a water jet shop and they got the business.

Onsrud makes special bits for the material, probably other suppliers do. Also most any PCD bit should work, I have not used them due to their cost. If I got a contract to cut a lot of this material I would make the investment.

Also the dust/odor is horrible. If possible run your dust collector exhaust outside. I worked in a full mask to keep the dust out of my lungs. Strongly suggest you do likewise.

My feeds/speeds based on a single flute 1/8" bit. This is what I have programmed into the Aspire tool parameters for G11 (G10 should use the same numbers):

Pass depth: 0.050"
Stepover: 0.025"
RPM: 12000 (Note I would run higher if I had a spindle)
Feed rate: 0.5 ips
Plunge rate: 0.1 ips

Im making no claim these are optimum numbers, but they produced acceptable results for me.

Good luck, let me know how it goes.

D

[ky_trikes]

Dana,

Thanks for the quick reply. This is a one-off project; I am making a pair of front wheel hubs for a recumbent trike. Thanks for the heads up on lung protection. I plan to put a sheet of heavy plastic drop cloth under the material and try to use water spray for cooling and to control the dust a little.

I came up with this bit at McMaster-Carr:
Part Number: 8515A32