Notes
Aluminum 6061 on Shapeoko 4 requires conservative settings, lubrication, and sharp tooling. Achievable but go slow.
Tips
Use WD-40 or dedicated aluminum cutting fluid — dry cutting aluminum galls the bit fast. Single flute O-flute bit is ideal. Chip evacuation is critical: compressed air or chips weld to the work.
Details
Aluminum 6061 on Shapeoko 4 requires conservative settings, lubrication, and sharp tooling. Achievable but go slow.
Bit
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | 1/8" single flute O-flute, uncoated mandatory |
Roughing
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Rpm | 24000 RPM |
| Feed Rate | 500 mm/min |
| Depth Per Pass | 0.3 mm |
| Stepover | 30 % |
| Plunge Rate | 100 mm/min |
Notes
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Coolant | WD-40 or aluminum cutting fluid — mandatory critical |
| Chip Clear | Compressed air blast essential to prevent re-cutting chips important |
Tips
Use WD-40 or dedicated aluminum cutting fluid — dry cutting aluminum galls the bit fast. Single flute O-flute bit is ideal. Chip evacuation is critical: compressed air or chips weld to the work.