While I wait for Tormach classes, I am hoping someone can share the setup parameters in Fusion 360. Also, can the Tormach mill 3/16” mild steel plate?
I have experience posting gcode from Fusion 360 for 3D printing (Qidi X-Max) and wood CNC (Millright Mega-V). I am also hoping there is someone that can run a few simple jobs for me while I wait for the classes.
The tormach can definitely cut 3/16" mild steel. The challenge will be how to hold it securely. If you’re trying to cut out shapes/profiles/slot, you might need to screw it to some sacrificial (aluminum) plate.
For tool settings, you should be able to search fusion Machine Library for Tormach (Tormach 1100M is closest)
Everything else will come down to feeds and speeds. After a lot of reluctance, I finally committed to buying HSMAdvisor for small cnc. I can say, hand down, I will not load a tool into the tormach without running (and doublechecking) settings in HSMAdvisor. Clean, very efficient cuts that are calculated within the limits of our particular Tormach (PCNC 1100 Series 3) HSMAdvisor > All HSMAdvisor Licenses > 3 Horse Power Lifetime Floating License. You can probably mess around with the free version.
I have a small CNC at home that I abused for years trying to “feel it out.” I also destroyed a lot of end mills that way.
Provencut is another great resource for feeds and speeds. They provide actually exports that you can load directly into Fusion. ProvenCut.
Nik,
Thx much for the info. I have GW Wizard calculator for feeds and speeds. Not sure how it compares to others. I will need to find out which mills and bits are available so I can mess with those setting.
For an aluminum spoil board I am thinking 9.5” by 12” by 1/2”. The largest piece that I want to cut out is 11” x 7” x 3/16”. Does that seem reasonable?
For mild steel plate, have you tried using blue tape and super glue to hold pieces to an Aluminum spoil board?
Cheers, Randy
I believe the usable travel on the tormach is 18" x 9.5" x 16.25" (X,Y,Z), so you’re right there with the spoilboard.
I have not used tape/superglue, but I chatted with a more experienced member and he said it’s definitely possible. However, you’ll have to run dry since the coolant eats the adhesives. So that means carbide end mills. Personally, I would rather clamp / screw the material down, if possible.
A screenshot or a drawing of what you’re trying to do would be helpful.
The tape/glue/accelerator method can work when milling, but the forces are definitely a lot higher than cutting wood on a CNC, so there’s a risk of failure.
Nik,
I don’t know why, but I can’t post pictures. I have tried for hours. The two parts I want to start with are a 4" x 4" x 1/8" thick mild steel fuel pump mount and a 9.25" x 4.88" x 3/16" aluminum fuel tank cover.
Cheers, Randy
If you read and interact with other posts it will allow you to add pictures.
I wonder how many posts to meet the threshold
Not very many, like and comment on posts that you haven’t created
I have the same problem with not being able to post pictures. Hoping adding this reply will break me loose.
