First production run questions...

I just switched to a ShopBot Desktop and I'm trying to figure out the correct setup for a production run I'm working on and I wanted to tap the forum for it's knowledge.

The product I'm making can be seen here: magnetcomic.com

Here are the details:
-using ShopBot Desktop w/spindle
-wood: walnut
-each board is 10.5" x 4.25" (0.25" thick)
-I cut three 3" x 3.5" pockets on each board
-pockets are 0.09" deep
-using a 1/4" three flute downcut bit (I also have two flute bits)

What would my IPM / IPS be?

What should I set the spindle RPM to?

What should my stepover rate be?

Anything other settings I should be tweaking?


Thanks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WhispersOf

What would my IPM / IPS be?

What should I set the spindle RPM to?

What should my stepover rate be?

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Stepover for a 2D operation in wood should be 40% - set it and forget it.

Set your RPM to 13,000

MS @ 1,0.7 (XY, Z respectively) IPS

That should get you in the ballpark. Although hard to gauge on a pocket, if the scrap looks better than the finished edge, reverse climb/conventional direction.

Try those speeds, then feather in more XY move speed and make RPM adjustments as needed. Listen to the tool...it will tell you where the sweet spot is. Since you are only going .090, you could push it a bit faster, but accel/decel around little 'bumps' in your design may cause it to run rougher at speeds over 2 IPS. Give it a whirl...I doubt you'll hurt anything.

-B