I’d like a way to machine simple parts out of aluminum for various projects. I’d heard the Shark can cut aluminum fairly well, so decided to try. The first design was a simple outline of the letter G, cut part way through some 1/8″ aluminum bar stock.
I used this bit which is 1/8″ dual flute carbide. Cutting speed was 25 inches per minute, with 0.5 mm depth of cut, at around 17000 RPM. (I really don’t know if these settings are appropriate; if any readers have advice please let me know!)
These photos show the workpiece after a quick touch-up with a sanding disk on an angle grinder.
How successful was this? I’m not sure, to be honest. I think simple profile parts with a few holes could be done easily. I’ll need to run another test to figure out the accuracy. The cutting seemed to go fine, and there was no evidence of stress on the bit or on the CNC or router. After running the job, the bit was cool to the touch and the workpiece was only slightly warm.
The bottom of the milling does not look very flat though (and to a certain extent this is expected – its a CNC, not a milling machine). I’m not sure if this could be improved.
howardpinder.com 