Cutting slots in UHMWPE?

[RodKirby]

Have you ever had to cut (rout) T-slots in UHMWPE? I did – a long time ago. Heavy going but no “real” problems back then.

Now I’m making a splt fence for my “new” router table and nearly wrecked a piece – couldn’t cut fast enough to prevent melting L

“Normally” ie routing an edge on this stuff, I leave the router at top speed, but because the T-slot has to be cut in one pass, I have a “feeling” I should slow it down. Do any of you have any experience doing this?

[Ken Massingale]

I can't even pronounce it!

I've cut it on the TS Rod, but haven't tried routing it.
ken

[just4funsies]

I've chamfered UHMW on the RT without any problems, but never any T-slots. I would think chip extraction from a T-slot, rather than speed alone, would be the biggest problem. You may have to experiment with a scrap piece until you find the right combo.

[Pappy]

Did, or can, you cut the slot with a straight bit first and then run the T slot cutter through?

[Black wallnut]

Did, or can, you cut the slot with a straight bit first and then run the T slot cutter through?

This is precisily how I do it; rather quickly I might add!

[RodKirby]

Yes, I use a straight bit (1/4" spiral upcut) first. Then this from Woodhaven:

[dick541]

Ron,
I have machined UHMW off and on for 20 years in a machine shop. I would suggest if you can slow down your router and, then get some good old air from your air compresser and blow out the chips from the other end to keep them from packing up.

dick541

[Stytooner]

Rod? Blow chips around in his shop? Not on a dare I say.

[RodKirby]

Ron,
I have machined UHMW off and on for 20 years in a machine shop. I would suggest if you can slow down your router and, then get some good old air from your air compresser and blow out the chips from the other end to keep them from packing up.

dick541

Many thanks Dick.

Didn't even think of that - great idea!

BT3Central strikes again

[bigsteel15]

Many thanks Dick.

Didn't even think of that - great idea!

BT3Central strikes again

Rod,
Can you PLEASE post pictures of the aftermath.
It would be a really big moral boost for some of us. Give us something to aspire to.


EDIT:
But seriously, I would think that a hard plastic material would be a good application for my idea posted previously about the "steel milling" bit at relatively low speed (I don't intend to try it for wood). The air should also do the trick.
Side note...what do you do for phenolic?

[RodKirby]

A confession - and a promise:

Confession: My first attempt overheated the t-slot bit to the point where it lost it's "bite" - and almost wrecked the workpiece

Promise: When my (2) new bits arrive from Woodhaven (on their way), I will post pics of the result

Edit: Phenolic. Never had to t-slot cut but - "normal" router speed and DP around 2,000RPM (say) up to 3/8"dia twist bit. "Normal" (hardwood) speeds for Forstners.

[dick541]

Bigsteel15,
I would machine phenolic with carbide at about 600 rpm with 1/2 dia. mills, air to cool the tool and vaccuum to suck up the dust. I have been machining some garlite 10 this week and with this crap you must use vaccuum and when you drill thru it you need real sharp drills, 1/4 dia. drill at 500 rpm you can do about 8 holes 1 inch deep then resharpen, and back it with wood.
dick541

[LinuxRandal]

Rod, please have someone take pictures DURING, when you have the air compressor blowing dust (that's right, I said it) in your shop!








Although someones going to wonder wether ultra high molecular weight polyethelene, is considered sawdust!

[RodKirby]

Rod, please have someone take pictures DURING, when you have the air compressor blowing dust (that's right, I said it) in your shop!
Although someones going to wonder wether ultra high molecular weight polyethelene, is considered sawdust!

Sorry - too late! All done

Router set at about 12,000RPM - no problem, AND, didn't need the compressed air.

pics and details to come...

[leehljp]

Lately I have seen UHMW referred to as UHMWPE. What is the "PE" part? Is it a change that can make the difference in cutting from before as compared to now?

I cut a T - slot in my fence about 4 years ago and like you, it did not melt then.