posted
Hi, I'd like to try routing some signs from aluminum plate. I'd like to to find some 1/4" aluminum plate with a nice brushed finish, rout letters into it about 3/32" deep, then cut out the signs around 8" x 12". The letter height would probably be in the 1" to 3" range, with the letter stroke ranging from 1/8" to 1/4". Now for the questions: what type bit, spindle speed, feed rate and depth of pass would be required? would I need a mister to cool the bit? What grade of aluminum would be best? Where can I buy it? Anything I'm leaving out?? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
-------------------- Tim Whitcher Adrian, MI Posts: 1546 | From: Adrian, MI | Registered: Mar 1999
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posted
That's funny you should ask. I just finished one here last week. What I do is engrave the letters with an engraving bit. I have used every thing from an .010 to a .090. I only go about .010 for each pass. ( total depth is about a sixteenth of an inch.) Definately would recommend using some kind of coolant. As far as the cutting of the piece I use and Onsrud single edge upcut spriral carbide bit. Feed rate is about 50 ipm, depth per pass is .125, spindle speed is 19000 rpm. Also using the mister. With the aluminum most places just sell the raw aluminum plate and you would have to do the grain yourself. Not that hard just some time sanding.
-------------------- TJ Duvall Diamond State Graphics, Inc.
New Castle, DE 19720 Posts: 396 | From: New Castle,Delaware | Registered: Jul 2002
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