[h50n]

Hi guys,

Im a newbie and I bought a cnc3040 from china last week and since have been struggling to operate it. Im using artCAM and MACH3

I am trying to cut various shapes out of old vinyl records to make clocks. The idea was that I was gonna learn by jumping in the deep end, but more things seem to be going wrng than right, broken tools etc.

could you tell me what type of tool bit is appropriate for cutting Vinyl Records? and what sort of speeds i should be running it at?

Your help would be greatly appreciated,

thanks guys.

[HorridHenry]

vinyl

This material is more apt to laser cutting than a solid tool.

Try cutting MDF first.

[ger21]

Probably any tool for cutting plastics, usually an "O" flute is best. You mist be using very small bits if they're breaking on vinyl.
What size and type of tools, and what rpm and feedrates are you using?

[h50n]

these are the bits i've been using a slightly smaller version of the right one is what snapped.

I was running it at 30000 rpm i think.

I have a lot of stuff to learn. Can anyone recommend a book, video tutorial or website that covers this sort of stuff?

Thanks

[ger21]

What feedrate? I'm guessing that 8000rpm would have been more appropriate.

[flyinchips]

Records are vinyl. They melt at a low temperature. You must get the heat away from the tool or the vinyl will turn to goo and the tool will stop cutting and start "pushing" through the stock. This will break the tool. Use the largest tool that fits the job. If you don't own that tool, buy it before you break all of the little ones. Pay attention to the amount of tool sticking out of the holder; long stick outs contribute to breakage, especially on smaller tools < 4mm. Ideally, when cutting something as thin as a vinyl record, your stick out should be no more than 12mm for that 3mm tool you have shown. Pay attention to how you are holding the stock. If it is vibrating while being cut you will break tools.

Eliminate the things you are already doing and review the items that are left, your problem will, most likely, be there.

Cheers

[h50n]

thank you very much for all your advice guys.

so what piece would you recommend i get specification wise?

and is there a book you could also reccomend, because i really wanna learn this stuff.

Thanks.

[osphoto]

Cutting vinyl should be rather "easy" it's the melting of the vinyl while cutting that is going to kill your bits.

You said they break, well, are they breaking because the flutes are clogged with vinyl and they are no longer cutting?

Are you cutting to deep in to the vinyl and it's cutting into your table?

30000 rpm and plastic not a good idea unless you are seriously moving your cuts through the material. That speed is gonna melt your material.

turn your speed way down and take very light cuts. (i'm going based on self taught experience with acrylic, polycarbonate). Slow down your spindle speed but keep the same amount of IPM (inch per minute) on your cutting speed.

The single blade bit you are using is often used for cutting printed circute boards and engraving. I personally would not be using that for cutting vinyl.

As for a book, if you find one, post a link.

Try youtube and such and just search for what you are looking for.

In addition, since heat IS going to be an issue with your cutting, you'll probably want to use compressed air on your cutting. I use on pretty much every thing I cut. Not so much on wood though. On aluminum and for plastics!