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Tried a different feed rate on a 6061 aluminum job and my finish looked like a cat scratched it
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emma_butler876mo ago
My last 6061 job loved a faster feed for a smooth finish.
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ben4026mo ago
What about chip thinning, though?
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milesrobinson4mo ago
Yeah that's definitely true for aluminum, but I gotta push back a bit here. Faster feed works great for finish on 6061 because it keeps the tool engaged and reduces built-up edge, but you're still going to want to keep an eye on your chipload if you're pushing it too fast. @ben402 is actually right about chip thinning being a factor, especially with smaller stepovers or high engagement angles. If you don't account for it, your actual chip thickness ends up way lower than what you think, and you'll rub the material instead of cutting it cleanly. That's when you get those nasty little burrs on the edge or a finish that looks okay but feels rough. I've had good luck bumping up the feed on finish passes but keeping the radial engagement wider so chip thinning doesn't kill my surface finish.
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