Router to machine aluminum?

[BloomingtonMike]

Lee, your PMs are not turned on after the woodnet software change.

Mikie

[Stytooner]

Opps.
Thanks, Mike.
I fixed it.

[EricU]

place I used to work used a Makita router to cut out access holes in airplane wings.  I only saw the setup, never saw them doing it.  I was told they would spin the bit in beeswax before cutting.  I tried it, it makes a mess and is pretty unpleasant to do because the shower of chips

[daddo]

You would need to know the router speed or get a best guess. Most are between 18 and 24 thousand RPM. Really too fast for a standard end mill. 4 flutes is too many. It will clog up instantly without coolant. 
The O flute bits are probably your best bet. Light passes only if it is hand held or in a circle jig. The grade of aluminum matters a lot as well. 6061 is my go to material unless I need something tougher. Then I use 7075.
Many grades of aluminum will not machine well and be very gummy. Avoid those. 5052 and 6063 are two bad choices. Of the grades below those, I would just pass on them.

 You are right my mistake. A two flute is better for aluminum. With 6061, it will still clog- speeds and feed rate help when you can get them just right.

[EricU]

I think a router bit might be just as good as an end mill in this application.  I used a router bit, and I was pleased with the surface finish.  Turning the router speed all the way down is a good idea.

[BloomingtonMike]

Nice write up on O flute and using it with a router in aluminum.

An O flute is a single flute.

http://blog.cnccookbook.com/2012/12/23/w...-end-mill/

[Foggy]

Nice write up on O flute and using it with a router in aluminum.

An O flute is a single flute.

http://blog.cnccookbook.com/2012/12/23/w...-end-mill/

Very interesting. Thanks.