01-16-2018, 01:54 AM
I haven't done it myself, but I know they cut stainless on CNC routers. If you're running out of options it might be worth a try with a manual router. Since you do a bit of woodworking I'm guessing you've probably got a decent one? I've seen aluminium cut out to templates with a woodwork router and approx 3/16" or 1/4" ball bearing guided woodwork bits.
Not sure I'd be keen on the same cutter with stainless, but if you've got a carbide end mill that would fit in the router it could be worthwhile running a test piece.
Main thing with stainless in my limited experience (mostly drilling sheetmetal with HSS and cobalt bits) is to keep the speed down and keep it feeding otherwise it work hardens to heck and becomes a nightmare to cut. Not sure how well that carries across to milling/routing though.
Steve
Not sure I'd be keen on the same cutter with stainless, but if you've got a carbide end mill that would fit in the router it could be worthwhile running a test piece.
Main thing with stainless in my limited experience (mostly drilling sheetmetal with HSS and cobalt bits) is to keep the speed down and keep it feeding otherwise it work hardens to heck and becomes a nightmare to cut. Not sure how well that carries across to milling/routing though.
Steve