INTRO
Softwood is a type of wood that is derived from trees with needle-like or scale-like leaves, such as conifers. They are commonly used in construction, furniture making, and as raw materials for paper production. Softwoods are known for their straight grain and uniform texture, making them easy to work with and finish.
Examples of softwoods : PINE, SPRUCE, CEDAR, FIR...
MILLING ON EVO
Softwoods are easily milled on EVO and they allow room for variations in parameters without danger. You can reach a feed of around 3 000 mm/min in optimal conditions, even fas
Use passes not deeper than half the tool's diameter and ramps to enter the materials. Your goal is to obtain chips and not dust out of the cut : nice thin chips is a good indicator of good cutting parameters.
But remember: always start with safe parameters and increase them progressively to find the sweet spot for your own setup.
Parameters used in the video :
Machine : Mekanika EVO S / High-Z / Router AMB 1050W
End mill : Ø 6mm / 1 Flute Carbide / Compression bit
Feed rate : 2200 mm/min
Spindle speed : 16 000 rpm
Depth of cut : 4 mm
MILLING ON PRO & FAB
Softwoods are easily milled on PRO and FAB. You can set relatively high feed rates as long you chip load stays in the required levels.
Use passes not deeper than the tool's diameter and ramps to enter the materials. Your goal is to obtain chips and not dust out of the cut : well formed but not too warm chips is the indicator of perfect cutting parameters.
Parameters used in the video :
Machine : Mekanika PRO S / Standard-Z / Spindle VFD 2.2kW
End mill : Ø 6mm / 1 Flute Carbide / Compression bit
Feed rate : 3200 mm/min
Spindle speed : 19 000 rpm
Depth of cut : 6 mm
MATERIAL TIPS
- You can go up to a 4 flutes end mill, as chips break easily in softwood.
- Using a downcut on the first pass or a compression bit will help prevent tearout on the top face and get a better finish.
- Use ramps or helixes instead of plunge to increase your tool's lifetime.
- Milling should produce C-shaped chips and not dust (if you get dust, you can either reduce spindle speed or increase feedrate).
- If the surface finish is not good, it can be related to various things:
- check that your stock is fixed strong enough and not vibrating
- check your tool's edges to see if it is damaged
- use the shortest tool possible for the job
- Test different feed/speed (most likely: reduce feedrate or increase spindle speed, within the machine's capabilities and while maintaining an acceptable chip load).