A new 'learning curve'

[lloydsp]

I've never used a ball-nosed cutter in this PVC foam board I cut for fireworks manufacturers.  I don't know how it will behave.

We've had a problem, in that the 1/8" fuse we've been buying is no-longer available.  We've had to 'go back in time', and use 1/4" time fuse.  Of course, the fuse grooves are deeper, and they weaken the 3/4" stock we've used, too much.  One customer had a 'plate' completely blow out the bottom.

So, I'm going with thicker material (1"), and will be using a ball-nosed cutter for the groove, in order to lessen the stress points.  And, BOY, is that 1" stuff more-expensive than the 3/4"... almost double!!!

I guess we'll see, huh?

Lloyd

[Bob La Londe]

I think you might also look for a really sharp mill like a bright finish aluminum geometry ball nose.  For good cuts you don't need strong.  You need sharp.  Maybe even HSS if it can be found sharper than a bright aluminum geometry carbide.  One you figure out the recipe and the sauce comes out right plan to pull mills from service at the first sign of melting. 

[lloydsp]

Yep!  Melting is a sign I watch for with all my cutters.  It doesn't take much dulling to result in that!

Lloyd