Miniature Machining at 5,000 RPM in Aluminum

I had people ask about using miniature end mills with a slower spindle. So I created a video showing using 1/16" for roughing, 1/32" for finishing, and a 0.005" tip diameter engraving tool to mill some text. All with aluminum at 5,000 RPM to show that you don't need a really fast spindle--it just takes longer with a slower spindle.

[@sfvphotography6968]

Watching your work through problems is exhilarating. Thanks again for putting out your insight

[@jackdaniels5683]

This is great! Thank you for sharing and teaching your process. I recently got a taig mill and have found your channel to be extremely helpful.

[@JohnSL]

Glad it was helpful!

[@David_11111]

I love these how to vids, I have learnt so much with your help.. please just keeping Posting :)

[@compassprecision]

Great stuff. Always enjoy watching your computer engineering.

[@JohnSL]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@phildlight]

I've machined quite a lot of micro parts on a Taig with a 1mm [.0394in] endmill and I've only ever broken 1, and it was typical user error during tool height setting. Great video!

[@alexrosay646]

Feeds and speeds?

[@dass1333]

Another great video John.

[@gerritvisser]

Very encouraging work and guidance, thank you. I have a 24k spindle but am also finding it useful down to 4k with appropriate feed rates for drilling (for now). Milling is yet to come :-)

[@JohnSL]

Yup. It's all about feeds adjusted for your spindle speed.

[@lonnalachner7344]

As always another good video always learning.

[@piccilos]

Thank you for this.

[@daygamecandy2309]

Super helpful! Thanks!

[@JohnSL]

You're welcome!

[@22lambo]

Nice video! I enjoyed having the CAM with the actual machining in the corner. I would like to see how you set the tool heights, especially the tiny end mills!

[@JohnSL]

Thanks. I showed how I set the tool lengths in my previous video. I use an Edge Technology Touch Off Gage just like for any other end mill: www.edgetechnologyproducts.com/touch-off-gage-52-000/

[@22lambo]

@@JohnSL I'll check it out, thanks for replying back!

[@Thoyalogen]

Hi John, are there any particular types of cutter/coating you use for aluminium? Do you have any cutter brands you recommend?

[@rexmundi8154]

Where are you getting your micro mills, especially the tapered ones. Thanks for the great content!

[@JohnSL]

I've been buying my end mills from here: bitsbits.com/

[@David_11111]

so I am 3mins in but would the text not be back to front if you filled that with plastic ?

[@JohnSL]

This just to illustrate micro machining, so it's not an injection mold.

[@MrCoffeypaul]

Speeds and feeds are the one topic that can catch anyone, too many variables but you ignore them at your peril. Love to know how you set the tool offset for the V-bit and might a ball nose have been a better option?

[@JohnSL]

I just use a Edge Technology height setter like I do for any other tool. The V-bit is pretty strong, so I'm not worried. I prefer the v-bit over a ball nose end mill because it has a flat tip. The ball nose will have zero cutting velocity at the center. Whereas the v-bit is more like any other flat end mill.

[@chrisavery102]

Just curious, could you post a link to the video where you said you would do this on steel? Do you have anything on stainless steel?

[@JohnSL]

I do in my latest video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaS4oX-nm6ebjK8. I used GWizard to calculate feeds and speeds and it did not let me down. Everything worked without issues.

[@barebooger]

Thanks for sharing! I guess I have molds on the brain. I was expecting to see it in plastic at the end.

[@JohnSL]

Yup, just a test piece this time that has no other value.

[@David_11111]

yay

[@ChrisHarmon1]

Just found out how much they stripped out of the personal use Fusion 360 yesterday. I'm setting up a new to me mill and can't believe I'm either forking over $40 a month to use tool changers/4th axis/rapids or try learning Solidworks as they have a $20/year personal use license for vets.

[@spikeypineapple552]

Are you kidding? Why don't you go and spend 13k on mastercam?

[@mecanizadosgrela7380]

Hello, thanks for the video. A point to consider is the acceleration of the motors. If the piece to be worked is small, there is no chance of developing all the feed rate. If this occurs, high rpm in the spindle is useless, they end up wearing down the tool due to friction.

[@jeffbeck6501]

I am only for the hot chicks that hang out here.