Five flute 2" Shell Mill on Aluminium stock using LMS 4190 HighTorque Mini Mill.

AndreK

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I got a Shars 5-flute 2" Shell Mill and tried to see what job would it do with my mini mill on a 6061 T6155 Aluminium. I've done many test runs using different RPM and IPM. I got good results, nice clean (almost mirror) surface in some conditions, so I want to post the conditions that were most optimum. The cutter ran very smooth, stable, and true. No chatter, no vibrations, nice chips. I hope, someone else considering an investment in a face mill on a mini mill might find this helpful and encouraging:

Machine: LMS 4190 (500W DC motor)
Cutter: Shars 2" R8 90 degrees indexable face mill with 5-flutes
Inserts: ZCC 5PCS APKT 1604 33 LH YBG101 Carbide Insert for Aluminium
RPM: 1000
IPM: 17 (this is the max setting of the Power Feed on my mini mill)
DOC: 0.005

Before each test sprayed a little of WD-40. Locked Y and Z axis for each test (this is important!).
 
Sorry, I am new to the drill:) . Here's the photo. The camera is focused on the reflection.
This was after another test cut with DOC: 0.010".

Have you tried this shell mill on steel? I'd love to get one if it works well on mild steel.
 
Not yet. All I had was Aluminium, and the inserts were for Aluminium, too.
 
Shars Product Code: 404-1867 for shell mill
Shars Product Code: 202-5161 for the 3/4" R8 shank arbor

Bought on ebay as a set.
 
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