Bulkman3D CNC - How I cut 5005 Aluminium

[@CraigVanSickleAK]

Nicely done, thanks for sharing! I've put together a Sweepy 2.0 Vac foot with a Stupid Simple Tools LubeCube flowing Trim Microsol 455. If you have a chance try the Lakeshore Carbide's Variable 3 flute coated aluminum bits. They are very affordable and plunge quite a bit better with the tip geometry. I have the CNC4Newbie C4N4848 table and have run up to 1/2" mild steel plate with the vac/misting with Lakeshore Carbide's Variable 3/16" Variable 4 flute endmill. Any larger diameter bit and my machine does struggle with resonance but with the right settings I've even cut 4130 chromoly plate. Keep it up, appreciate this kind of content.

[@brunofonseca9686]

Would you be able to create a video explaining the bracing that you did on the X axis in order to tame the flex? I also have a 1515 with the water spindle. Interested on seeing how you did it.

[@AdamTaylor]

Definitely, I will make a video on the mods I've made.

[@philfitzgerald8449]

@@AdamTaylor Made it yet? ;)

[@fierceflyer5]

Amazed how quiet it is cutting aluminum

[@AdamTaylor]

It might just be the edit? Day to day the dust extractor is by harder to deal with than the CNC! Next video on the CNC I'll grab the Db gauge.

[@vl25t]

Thanks for the Great Vid! Can you tell me approx how long it took to do the whole cut?

[@AdamTaylor]

Thanks mate. This panel took 1h:45m to cut.

[@1990notch]

Nice setup you have there. Wish I had the room for a CNC router like that. Do you tig weld these air box pieces together?

[@AdamTaylor]

Its definitely a big footprint for this machine, I previously had a 6040 but one this allows me to produce a lot more product with less waste! There are loads of TIG welding videos on my channel if you're interested! www.youtube.com/@AdamTaylor/streams

[@1990notch]

@@AdamTaylor Thanks, I'll check out your other videos!

[@peterholtman1532]

Do you do any CNC wood routing? And if so do you still use the water cooled system or do you just turn that off when working with wood?

[@AdamTaylor]

Yes, I make some plywood things and all my baseboards are particleboard. I have the coolant on a switch and a solenoid at the spindle to stop any dripping, works very well 👍

[@alessiog.3601]

Per una volta scrivo in italiano : usi Mach3? Quale codice utilizzi per l'azzeramento dell'asse Z?

[@AdamTaylor]

I use the Big Tex screen for Mach 3 www.cnczone.com/forums/mach-wizards-macros-amp-addons/100594-mach-3-tool-setter-big-tex-version.html

[@perro0076]

I tried once to cur alu with my ooznest, but failed miserably. What settings are you using? Cut depth and feed?

[@jasonparker1454]

u dont feel the 5,5 kg spindle is a little overload for the construction?

[@AdamTaylor]

@@jasonparker1454 not at all, been running it this way for 3 years now👍

[@GatepowerAu]

Thanks for the information and video. What bit and settings would you recommend for cutting 8-10mm 5005? I have been using some of Adams bits (same spec bit). These seem to work great for 5083. Have not tried 5005 yet. And sometimes it is the only plate available in the sizes i need. Do you believe there is a noticeable difference in performance with the CNC3D bits? Cheers

[@AdamTaylor]

Can use a 6mm single flute for this thickness with your design? try the Turbocut Pro from CNC3D! I would likely run .8-1mmDOC somewhere between 800-1200mm/min with only air and chip vac no coolant, if that helps at all? I cut 5005 everyday never have any issues cuting it! One time I had a bad batch of cutters from Adams Bits and thier customer service was non-existent then insulting while seeking advice and a resolution, from then on I switched to CNC3D. My experience with them has been better quality cutters, a fantastic knowledge base and unmatched customer service! I would 100% recommend them to everyone, over anyone, for this level of cutter! Let me know how you go with the 5005!

[@GatepowerAu]

Thanks Adam, that is good to know. I'm going to give the 5005 a go, and the CNC3D cutters. Cheers! @@AdamTaylor

[@MrJackfriday]

What is your recommendation for the cnc controller option for this machine?

[@AdamTaylor]

I used a gecko540 for mine, I transferred it from my old machine since I run mach3 it's perfect for me.

[@MrJackfriday]

@@AdamTaylor thanks for the reply!

[@hoomanetesamifard5995]

I’m thinking to purchase the same machine, I’m confused by different drives that they offer. Should I go with servo or close loop step motors? Is the 2.2kw spindle too heavy for a drive? Is the gantry rigid enough for cutting thicker aluminum ? Have you try 3D carving?

[@AdamTaylor]

My advice after owning this for a year would be to get the genuine CNC3D machine as a pre-built unit. The 2.2kw water cooled spindle is definitely too heavy for the standard bulkman machine and requires bracing and slower feeds. A 1.5kw air cooled spindle would be a better option to negate the bracing. The thickness of the material is no issue, you will be limited by the DOC and toolpath planning due to the lack of rigidity. I have cut 20mm 5005 without issue at .5mm DOC however... I do not do any 3d carving on this machine. Hope that helps you somewhat!