On Fri, 26 Jan 2007 18:24:15 -0000, you wrote:
Harvey & Mert,
Thanks for the replies.
If used in small increment, with cutting fluid (on AL) and
careful feeding rate vs speed, this dovetail cutter
should last me for many years to come I hope.
I actually was rather aggressive in the cut/tooth rate, and may or may
not have used tapping fluid to lubricate the tool. I was cutting a
dovetail for an adjustable tool holder for a lathe. I was also rather
chary of taking a big cut in the material, so I was relatively
delicate with the overall depth of cut.
Details are at www.dragonworks.info under machining and adjustable
tool post.
Not done with a unimat, but perhaps it will help.
Harvey
This news group is a great source for people like me.
Norm
--- In UNIMAT@..., "Mert Baker" <mertbaker@...> wrote:
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@...
----- 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
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