Z axis Slipping on Aluminum

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Hey guys! New to the CNC world. I have designed my parts I’m needing and have been using my buddies Shapeoko XXL machine. I have made a couple test runs with 3/16” wood to make adjustments as needed. I went to make my first run with aluminum tonight and had some issues. One of the biggest issues I’m having is the z axis is slipping when trying to force the router deeper. I realize this may be a settings issue and would like input on this. I’m trying to use a 90* end mill to contour a circle the compete depth of the 1/8” aluminum.

Stepover- .118
DPP - .004
Plunge Rate - 40
Feed Rate 110.5
RPM - 16000

The end mill is new. Z axis belt has been tightened quite a bit. I’m wondering if I have got something so far off that it’s creating extra work for the z axis motor, or if I just need to go with the HDZ upgrade. I’m trying to make this setup work for the time being if I can, and look at upgrading soon.

Also: I feel like I need to add I am doing straight down circular cuts. I’m not making sweeping x and y axis motions. Just making 1.25” circles going deeper until it is through the material.

Any information you guys have would be grately appreciated!! Thanks again!

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I was successful in aluminum a long while ago on my SO3 Standard w/ belt-drive Z-axis — which tool do you mean by:

We don’t have feeds and speeds for a 90 degree V endmill in aluminum, and my experience with pointy and delicate tooling on a belt-drive machine is it’s likely to break if one pushes too far.

Upload your file?

See:

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