PSA: I was wrong about using a 3/8 inch end mill for that aluminum job in Cincinnati

I had a run of 500 parts last month and had to pick between my usual 3/8 tool or trying a 1/2 inch with fewer flutes. I went with the 3/8 because it was familiar, but the chatter was awful and I burned through two of them. My lead said to try the bigger one, and it ran way smoother with a 20% feed increase. Anyone have a go-to end mill size for 6061 they swear by?

2 comments

2 Comments

richardknight9d ago

Yeah, that chatter with the 3/8 is a classic problem. I always grab a 1/2 inch three flute for 6061 now, it just handles the material better. What's your depth of cut look like on those parts?

jaden699d ago

That chatter problem reminds me of a guy who tried to fix it by just cranking up the feed rate. How do you even get that idea?