Welcome to the third edition of our CNC Weekly Recap!
We're excited to see so many of you implementing last week's tips on preventing tool breakage. Your success stories and questions keep us motivated to bring you even more valuable content each week.
In this edition, we're tackling a common nemesis of clean cuts - chatter. Plus, we're demystifying an essential element of CNC machine setup. Whether you're a hobbyist or a pro, there's something here to enhance your CNC journey.
Let's dive into this week's CNC wisdom!
🛠CNC Troubleshooting Corner🛠
This Week's Issue: Chatter During Cutting
You're noticing a wavy or rippled surface finish on your workpiece, accompanied by a distinctive vibrating sound during cutting.
Possible Causes:
Excessive cutting speed or feed rate
Inadequate tool rigidity or improper tool holding
Workpiece vibration due to poor clamping
Worn out spindle bearings
Resonance in the machine structure
Quick Fix:
Reduce cutting speed and/or feed rate. Start by decreasing in 10% increments until chatter subsides.
Ensure your tool is as short and rigid as possible. Check that it's securely held in the collet or tool holder.
Improve workpiece clamping. Use additional clamps or a vacuum table if available.
Listen for unusual spindle noises. If present, consider having your spindle bearings checked or replaced.
Try changing your spindle speed slightly. Sometimes, a small change can shift you out of a resonant frequency.
Pro Tip:
Consider using Vectric's chip calculator in the tool database to optimize your feed and speeds for different tools. You want this number to match closely to what the tool manufacture recommends for that bit's chip load. The chip load is calculated by the number of flutes, spindle speed (RPMs), and the feed rate. This can help you achieve the best balance between productivity and smooth cutting.
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📖CNC Term of the Week📖
Tramming
Definition: Tramming is the process of aligning the spindle of a CNC machine perpendicular to the machine bed or table. It ensures that the cutting tool is perfectly vertical (or at the desired angle) relative to the work surface.
Why it matters: Proper tramming is crucial for achieving accurate and consistent results in your CNC projects. It helps prevent issues such as uneven cutting depths, poor surface finishes, and inaccurate dimensions.
How it's done: Tramming typically involves using a dial indicator attached to the spindle and rotating it to measure the variation in height at different points on the machine bed. The goal is to adjust the head of the machine until the indicator shows minimal or no variation as it's rotated.
Example: If your dial indicator shows a variation of 0.01" over a 12" diameter circle as you rotate the spindle, your machine is out of tram and needs adjustment. You want to get this as close to 0 variation as possible for best results.
Tip: Make tramming a regular part of your machine maintenance routine. Even small misalignments can compound over time and affect the quality of your work. For most hobby CNC routers, checking tram monthly or after any significant vibration or impact is a good practice.
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LYCNC Weekly Newsletter
The Learn Your CNC Academy Weekly Newsletter is your go-to resource for staying at the cutting edge of CNC machining. Each week, we deliver a curated blend of expert insights, practical troubleshooting tips, and community highlights directly to your inbox.
Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, our newsletter is designed to help you continuously improve your CNC skills, stay informed about the latest techniques, and feel connected to a vibrant community of CNC enthusiasts.
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