I’ve been cutting Aluminium sheet on my Shapeoko 3 with success. In the UK almost all of the aluminium (aluminum!) sheet you can get hold of <6mm is 1050 grade which is almost pure aluminium and harder to machine than say 6000 series stuff.
I’ve been using an adaptive clearing toolpath at full sheet depth with a single flute 1/8" DLC coated bit. My theory is that it’s easier on the tool than slot milling and uses more of the tool than just the tip of it. After the adaptive clear I go back with a contour path to get a nicer finish on the edge.
I wondered if anyone had thoughts on this approach vs slot milling. Am I really helping tool wear or is it a waste of time and easier to do full width slotting?
Thanks!