Yesterday I made a few hundred little brass thingies. Not sure what they are for, just making them to spec.
I am using my friend's CNC router because my mill spindle speed is too slow (4500 rpm) and I haven't finished my z-axis conversion yet. I will build a high speed spindle system for my mill when I get the rest of the conversion done. It wasn't practical to laser or water jet cut these parts.
Brass widgets:
Material: 24 GA, 260 half-hard brass
Taped to 3/4 inch MDF with carpet tape
Tool: 30 deg taper, half-round engraving tool, 0.125 dia, solid carbide
Machining: Spindle 18,000 RPM, Feed 10 IPM, Depth of Cut = 0.025. I would prefer 30,000 RPM, then I could feed at 15 IPM
Soy based cutting oil.
Run time = about 40 min / 12 inches width. That is about 4 hrs / sq ft
Using a sledge hammer to swat a fly