Keys to get the maximum profit to the milling machine

The milling machine is a machine that helps you shape, cut and polish different materials, such as wood, iron, steel, among others. This is possible through the use of cutters of different types and edges, which when placed in the machine perform rotary movements capable of making the cut, so it is important to know their uses and functions.

The use of the routers depends on the cutters you use, these are interchangeable pieces that you embed in the base of the machine and rotate at high speed to offer you some type of cut. Likewise, you must take into account that they are normally made of high-speed steel or hard metal, while those of professional quality are made of construction steel, however, all types of milling cutters have steel teeth or blades, which are used to obtain different results. 

A router usually comes with a generic kit of router bits or some of the more basic ones, so it may be necessary to purchase a set of 12 pieces or more for more versatility, plus this gives you more functionality in case you need to perform various carpentry jobs. If you are planning to buy a milling machine or already have one, it is worth reviewing some of the main jobs that are possible with it.

moldings

You can make moldings with a cutter for this task, which has a top-type design with curved sides to mold the piece, it is also known as a ballerina and allows you to advance perpendicularly or parallel to the surface.

Therefore, the more curved the design of this type of cutter, the steeper the edge of the molding will be. This also depends on how deep you set the router to before you start it up, so it can work for rougher drilling or finishing.

It is important to adjust the speed of the router according to the type of wood or material that we are working on, since this has a lot to do with the efficiency of the work and the resistance of the machine. Once turned on, the displacement must be carried out in the opposite direction to the rotation produced by the cutter. On the other hand, you may get more professional finishes if you use several types of burrs to mold on the same part, as it will have different levels and more detail.

slots

For this job it is recommended to use a lateral guide, which is usually included as an accessory in the router and you place it parallel to it, in this way you can make a straighter and more precise groove. The design of these strawberries incorporates a type of disk that rotates to produce more or less superficial perforations in the material. When doing this job, it’s important to slide the router slowly and steadily to get a cleaner line.

If you want to make a deeper groove, then it is best to pass the router twice, since this way you avoid accidentally cutting the surface, burning it or the machine working forced, in addition, you do not have to make a great physical effort. Likewise, it’s appropriate for you to clean the slot and workspace before going back through, so you can be sure you’re getting an accurate job.

Slot milling cutters are not limited only to making straight movements, since they also allow lines of other shapes, through the use of dovetail milling cutters, T-shaped milling cutters, among others. Likewise, the cutters indicated for grooves usually incorporate three cutting edges, made up of a front and two lateral ones, to provide greater versatility.

Cuts

In addition to making grooves, some milling cutters allow you to cut the material, according to its depth. As in the previous case, it is appropriate that you use the lateral guide for a more precise and clean work.

End mills are typically a simple, slim, cylindrical design that is easy to identify and has a variety of cutting edges to make a variety of straight line cuts. In this sense, you can find them with very fine or thick teeth according to your needs.

On the other hand, to make a circular cut you need a metal pivot, which you must insert into the guide. Its diameter depends on the size of the hole. Also, this type of cut can be produced by combining the rotation of the work surface and the milling machine, so it is very similar to the method used to draw with a compass. In this sense, if you move the router up or down, you can get an eccentric geometric cut, just like a crankshaft would.

copied

A copier is a very practical accessory that you place in the lower central part of the router and allows you to cut and engrave different designs on the surface you are working on. In this sense, you can find all kinds of templates in carpentry stores, you can even make some with the use of sheets of wood to make various drawings and shapes.

In addition, it is important to take into account that this type of cut is the most used to make toys and wooden objects with great detail and quality finishes. You can easily identify a copier by its round design and metal construction.

Recommendations for the proper use of the milling machine

Some of the best milling machines of 2022 (In this link you will find several products to analyze)  are very versatile machines, which are generally essential in any workshop or home, whether you are a professional in the area or a carpentry and metallurgical fan. In addition, they usually have an affordable price for most users. However, it is also one of the most dangerous tools, so it is important to take the advice of experts on the subject into account.

Before starting to use a milling machine, it is advisable to think about some safety measures, such as goggles to protect you from debris that can be fired, hearing protectors, in case you have a model that produces a lot of noise, as well as a pair of gloves., since if you use it continuously it could cause discomfort in the hands. These implements are key to avoiding accidents, but at the same time they allow a better performance in the projects you carry out.