To cut dovetail slots, first use an ordinary endmill to cut most of the metal away. Then cut the DT one side at a time. On the Uni, this is best done in small increments. Brass is easier to cut, as a rule, than some Al alloys, especially the soft gummy stuff found in hardware stores. On Al, be sure to use a cutting fluid. WD-40 works, and there are lots of others.
Mert
mertbaker@...
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----- Original Message -----
From: Norm
To: UNIMAT@...
Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2007 10:08 PM
Subject: [UNIMAT] any advice for first time milling with dovetail cutter ?
Hello,
I recently bought a dovetail cutter for my Unimat but
having never used something like this before, I want
to make sure I will not screw up and/or damage the tool.
(they are expensive !)
I was planning to just practice with something soft
like brass before I move on to aluminum. The dovetail
has a .5in base. I don't have a collet but I made a simple
end mill holder for it.
What is the best advice you can give me before I
turn on the switch on the Unimat?
thanks in advance,
Norm
