Thread Milling (CNC Router Beginner to Pro EP09)

[@BuildItAnyway]

Thank you for this video. When i was doing this ~8 years ago; there was very little info about this. Additionally, I found the aliexpress threadmills @5-6 euro to work well.

[@JBWorx]

I have to order one and see how they will perform. I like Datron stuff but $120 for one bit is a tad much for me. Thx for reaching out.

[@jonastjepkema]

These videos are so amazing. Shame your channel is yet so undersubscibed! Your content is really great, thank you very much

[@JBWorx]

Thank you for your feedback I will keep going

[@boessi]

Klasse Video!!! Habe nochmals nachgeschaut, mein Tabellenbuch Metall ist von 1984 - wie die Zeit vergeht. Glückwunsch zum 3000 Abonnenten. VG Anton

[@JBWorx]

Danke Anton, und das Schlimmste ist sie vergeht immer schneller … die Zeit.

[@zakariakhamees]

Thank you JB for making all these videos. I watch all of them and mostly multiple times.

[@JBWorx]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@Festivejelly]

Just what I was looking for! Its such a cool way to cut threads as single point cutting threads for small parts on my lathe is a pain in the bum. So instead ill make a fixture and cut them on my CNC.

[@JBWorx]

Yes, I find myself using it more and more. I used to try cutting with a tap on my drill press and finishing by hand but it is so time consuming and dear God of you break the tap. So recently I use the CNC more and more. I use templates in fusion that make the CAM section really efficient.

[@AntiVaganza]

Thanks JB:) (Just feeding the algorithm to help more folks see this)

[@JBWorx]

Thank you 🙏

[@AntiVaganza]

@@JBWorx Literally just cut my first thread with a threadmill today. Between your video and NYCCNC's spreadsheet (with metric input), I got it right on the very first try. An M5x0.8 thread in alu, so not too crazy but at some point in the future, I will be trying my luck with M1.6 and M2 for some parts I need to make. Actually, the part which I made the threads in is a new piece for my MQL setup - turned out my resin parts didn't like the alcohol... Such a pity because the 3D printed nozzle with internal air and coolant bores was working perfectly. I cut the part with zero testing - except a lot of looking at the SIM and adjusting tool paths beforehand. Also, all my end mills are Chinese and even the single point thread mill was only about 2.5 bucks, so it was worth the risk. I think for alu it's probably more than fine, even if it wears out faster than more expensive ones. Also, I got a Metrol tool setter myself:). After I saw your video, I kept my eye open for good used deals and I found one with a dead LED. Rewired and bypassed the LED and the Metrol came back alive. From what I can tell it's hardly used and it repeats to 1-2um;)! (A year ago when I posted the comment on feeding the algorithm, I had never cut anything on a CNC yet and I was setting out to design my own granite mill, but I found a used cast iron one in a good size and a good price that I grabbed instead).

[@JBWorx]

@AntiVaganza this is exactly what I like to read. Very nice progress !!! Yes that Metrol unit is super nice 👍 one of the most accurate I know in that price range. Building a mill or router from scratch can be very challenging and most likely by the time you build the third one it will come out right. Getting a kit or a used machine with good bones that can be upgraded is probably the better way to go for most people. Also once you have a machine you can make your own parts to build one or make the one you have better.

[@AntiVaganza]

@@JBWorx Couldn't agree more. I felt like I did my due diligence and asked advice from good people and the design was coming along nicely - but at the end of the day, I realized that I was designing a machine whilst never even having used a CNC. I do think designing my own machine would have been really cool - and with the network I have in China, it would even have been affordable and likely very precise (made by factories who make granite surface plates and machine frames every day). But again, I wasn't even sure what capabilities I needed, nor the size. So, was guessing on those. So, when a cast iron machine with a standalone controller turned up for 800 bucks I had to go for it. I had already bought used servos for my own design and 4 pole, 24K RPM spindle that supposedly still has torque down to 6000RPM so they are making their way onto the cast iron machine. Servos are installed, but the spindle will wait until I get the worst crashes out of the way:). This machine may or not be a stepping stone, but I am learning so, so much every day on it. It does have good bones, 300kg or so off them but it was so out of tram/square it wasn't even funny. It's much better now, but at some point will take a few more rounds in the ring with it to get it even better. But on the plus side, it has proper Japanese ballscrews and guides on it. Already took apart the ball nuts and linear guides and regreased most of them. But the Chinese standalone controller (not a DDSCV) is terrible so Linux it is. Anyways, as always, thanks so much for your content. I keep coming back to it as my own journey takes me to places where I need your tips:)

[@BlueOceanDesigns]

Really like this video about thread milling but also the whole series...Great work :)

[@JBWorx]

Thank you so much 😊

[@Festivejelly]

I mainly use chat GPT to get the parameters i need. Its generally faster.

[@JBWorx]

The problem with Chat GPT is that the parameters are not optimized for a router using a high speed spindle. Most software generated parameters have different constraints like the max the endmill can take in one bite or the hp of the spindle on larger tools. Nothing of that applies to a CNC Router. Once you understand how to tune the parameters for your machine things become really easy.

[@Festivejelly]

@@JBWorx true but you can feed that info into it. Its all about saving time. If I give chat GPT a table of my params such is RPM, tool geometry, material, chipload etc it can quite easily generate these params you need. Although sometimes it does halucinate, but it is getting better, at least on GPT4. I wonder if we will see these sort of things built into CAD software in the future.

[@JBWorx]

I am sure it will be. Just like we can now download tables of tool manufacturers right into the CAM tool table. The industry has reps that will stop by your business and help you optimize their tool, often if you break it while the rep is there he replaces it for free.

[@AntiVaganza]

@@Festivejelly Fusion has two AI plug ins now, one may have a free trial. Can't recall their names but some machinists channels have tested them and they are supposedly not shabby at all.

[@JBWorx]

Hmm 🤔 I will have to look into that - thx for sharing

[@Engineer_DUH]

i always like to make sure that "lead to center" is checked as well. for some reason on HSM it is not automatically checked like it is in fusion. if it is not, your threadmill will end up plunging and retracting offset from the center of the hole and cut into your threads, which is only part of the problem. rapids in and out of the material make it highly likely that you break your threadmills. i use 4-40 threadmills at work all the time, and the neck diameter is only 0.050" ~1.25mm, quite easy to break.

[@JBWorx]

Yes, spot on I had this noted on my list to mention and once the vid was done I saw I forgot it. However like you mentioned it is checked by default in Fusion 360. 4-40 is quite small I have a project come up with a M3 … hopefully with no crash. Thx for reaching out.

[@Silverturky]

I just discovered your channel. It has everything I could possibly need. You have been very helpful to me thus far. I have not cut anything but extruded aluminum as yet very small part but I definitely plan on cutting more in future. I have a 4x8 avid CNC machine

[@JBWorx]

You have a nice capable machine for all sorts of projects. I have more vids planned in 2024

[@mikevdwerf]

Thank you so much, just great !

[@JBWorx]

👍👍

[@pacmangsxr750]

Thank you

[@JBWorx]

Glad you like it

[@velcrodreams178]

Thanks man !

[@JBWorx]

You bet 👍

[@velcrodreams178]

@JBWorx been following you for a bit ! You have a very sensible and clear way of teaching! God bless you!

[@JBWorx]

Thank you so much for this comment, I really appreciate it, and it keeps me motivated to post more.

[@velcrodreams178]

@JBWorx keep up the good work 👍!

[@JBWorx]

👍👍

[@dans94z28]

Could you make a video going over the bits you use? And feeds and speeds?

[@JBWorx]

Yes please look at video no 7 and 8 for cutting Al.

[@brucewilliams6292]

Thank you for putting this together. Very timely for me. P.S. would you please put a link to your website in the description.

[@JBWorx]

Oh wow did I forget that will do that right now thx ☺️

[@DL180sx]

Cut my first threads using a CNC today based off your guide. Worked the first time. M6x1.0 threads worked first go! Thanks very much! I copied what i could see of your feeds and speed. You didn't cover where you got that data from?

[@JBWorx]

Excellent that you were successful on the first go !!! Love that ! I cut a lot of threads on my machine and the feeds and speeds are from that experience as a starting point. All data I provide is usually conservative and can be increased for most machines. Thank you for this feedback puts a smile in my face.

[@seabreezecoffeeroasters7994]

Curious have you used larger 3+mm Carbide drills rather than interpolating the holes with a mill in Aluminium?

[@JBWorx]

Yes I have up to 6.8 for M8 however it’s not pretty. I think up to 5mm and only 1XD all is doable on deeper holes it becomes more difficult. Peck drilling is you friend and retracting all the way this will give the spindle the opportunity to get the rpm back up so it does not stall. Torque is a challenge at these low rpm’s.

[@AntiVaganza]

@@JBWorx Also, to get the chips out. I broke a 3mm drill in a deep hole in alu today and it might be because I didn't retract fully so I packed the chips in... Not sure, still a newbie at this.

[@JBWorx]

Yes, things start to go sideways once you are 3x the diameter of tue drill deep in the material. Best is to fully retract at a depth beyond that, like you said the flutes will get packed with chips and that will break the tool.

[@stephanekolijn4211]

Hi, thanks for your very informative videos. Really like them. I was looking on AliExpress and there they sell these for every M type. M3, M4,M5 as they all have another pitch. So how do you mean to use one tool to make different screw sizes?

[@JBWorx]

Yes, I saw that too it’s wrong. If you use a single tooth (pitch) thread mill it’s good for several different types of threads. The limit is the diameter of the tool and how deep it can cut but it can make any pitch as this is made by the helix that is defined in your CAM. I hope my explanation makes sense.

[@tusharjamwal]

Hi JB, I am watching this video because a friend asked me about thread milling, I am going to forward them the video. Could you share what the process of thread milling and a thread mill (the tool) is called in German? Is it Schraubfräsen?

[@JBWorx]

Im allgemeinen sagt man Gewinde fräsen. Das Gewinde wirbeln gibt es auch benutzt Aber üblicherweise einen Aufsatz. Und du brauchst dann einen Gewindefräser.

[@AG-cg7lk]

Can I just confirm your minor thread diameter advice on the hole? For a standard manual tap, typical advice is to drill a hole that is the nominal diamter minus the pitch, so for an M10/1.5 pitch, the hole needs to be 8.5mm before tapping. That is the 'tap drill' size in reference charts, not the minor internal diameter. From charts, the minor internal diameter is about 0.2mm smaller (8.376mm for M10). So, which is it for a single tooth tap ? Drill out as per 'tap drill size', or machine it to minor internal diameter?

[@JBWorx]

Great question. So in my experience the 8.376mm will result in a “No Go” thread as the good side of the tread gauge will not thread in. It’s too tight. It is much closer to the 8.5mm. Best is to make one test cut. I was lucky this fit the bold on the first try I usually need a couple of tests to get it just right. Also changing the thread mill out can result in a different fit (vendor to vendor). Interesting is also that you will notice a change from Fusion 360 to a different CAM program (Master CAM for instance). So lots of variables here it’s not rocket science but if you sell parts best is to invest into a thread gauge.

[@danrubin7994]

What CNC mill are you using. I went to your website but there is no mention of it? If you haven't already done so can you make a video describing your setup?

[@JBWorx]

This is one I built many years ago. I did several upgrades throughout the years but there are better designed DIY machines now.

[@danrubin7994]

@@JBWorx Thanks for the reply! Is there a setup you recommend for the beginner? I would rather pay more up front for a higher quality / higher precision model now instead of upgrading later.

[@JBWorx]

It depends where you are located and what you like to do with the machine. Do you need 4ft of width because you like to make projects from sheet good. Or do you plan on working more with metal ? If you are living in the EU I like to recommend the kits from Sorotec in Germany. However they don’t ship to the US. If you like to make parts yourself or get them pre- made then the print NC is a good option to start with.

[@danrubin7994]

@@JBWorx I am in the US. Looking for a metal working setup, mainly cutting aluminum 24" x 24" would be plenty big. I would like to buy a good quality kit or fully assembled CNC router similar to what you have in this video. I have access to a full size ShotBot for wood.

[@JBWorx]

Hmm 🤔 I wish I could recommend one as I get that question frequently. I only know of print NC and I think there is a mini version out now. Check it out maybe that one will be a fit for you

[@nathanwebb4671]

Do you have the sample g code for your thread mill operation?

[@JBWorx]

I posted this a while ago so I did not keep the G-Code sorry.

[@sto2779]

Is it possible to make thread mills which has built into the tip of the thread mill which ejects coolant or air? Seems over complicated but I think its worth it.

[@JBWorx]

Yes these are available mostly for bigger threads. There are even thread mills that have exchangeable inserts

[@sto2779]

@@JBWorx interesting, thanks for the reply.

[@JBWorx]

👍

[@TEACypher]

This is an interesting topic, i have only done a few myself, luckly i have the machinist handbook, but i am ceryain all the daya you need for threads is in the Zeus Precision Data Charts. Also your fog seems to have a leak?

[@JBWorx]

I changed the head out for the one with the bend tube and did not push the fluid line in all the way … saw it later on the video 😀

[@cncmoldsnstuff4423]

I absolutely believe in clearing chips out of pockets and holes wherever possible when. HOWEVER! When thread milling the easy answer is to thread from the bottom of the hole up. If chips get blown out of the hole great, but if they don't they're below. I do this every day on multiple machines. I climb Mill right hand threads and conventional Mill left hand threads starting at the bottom of the hole. This is how my standard saved operations are stored in my operations library. I use this with single form thread mills or full form. Also, I am pretty sure Fog Buster is a trade name.

[@cncmoldsnstuff4423]

I do have to recognize you appear to have made a very nice implementation of a minimum quantity lubrication air delivery system.

[@JBWorx]

Yes, everyone knows “Fog Buster” it’s like Windex as a cleaner. There are different terms for it MQL would be one of them. Agreed! Bottom up is the right way to go and fusion has this as a standard tool path.

[@cncmoldsnstuff4423]

@@JBWorx and yet you don't see any other window cleaner manufacturers labeling their product as Windex and somebody else's well known and promoted trade name. You don't see Puffs labeling their tissues as Kleenex either. It may not matter of an individual purchasing a product misuses a tradename, but you are manufacturing a product of similar use and operation.

[@JBWorx]

@cncmoldsnstuff4423 mine is called “ Cool mister” it’s on my website

[@quantumfrenzy74]

No, please make more!

[@JBWorx]

Don’t worry there will be more projects !

[@zahirmamdani]

The music is too much. The sweetest sounds for work videos is the natural workshop noise.

[@JBWorx]

Let’s have a bit of both so it does not get too boring for some people - but I hear ya - the machine making chips is music on its own.

[@zahirmamdani]

@@JBWorx when my CNC is running, I actually feel it's relaxing unless I get a call, lol. I don't know why, music distracts my mind so much that I can't understand what's being said. Maybe I have a very simple, single track mind. Lol

[@JBWorx]

I don’t listen to music when I am working. I need to hear what the machine is doing - maybe on the lathe I do it at times for a part that I have an oder of 500 and I am 50 parts into it and all is running well. Or sanding wood panels - but usually like you I don’t have music on either.

[@zahirmamdani]

@@JBWorx thanks for taking time to reply and consider my request. Wish you all the best in your work and in your upcoming videos

[@JBWorx]

@zahirmamdani thank you !