I’m using my spindle for the first time to cut some alignment holes in a new spoilboard. I use VcarvePro from vectric. I created a pocketing tool path with a depth of cut of 1 inch. the spindle starts up ok gets to 15K as per Jenny bit (the downtown Jenny .250dj) but as it makes passes it appeared to slow down and got a little smoke coming from the hole in the MDF. is this normal? am i trying to cut to deep? thoughts.
Hi Dennis! Welcome.
Which spindle do you have?
Usually when this type of situation occurs, it is a few things that are combining and causing issues like you are seeing.
Are you doing a depth of cut of 1" in a single pass or multiple? (I assume multiple,)
What is your depth of cut per pass and at what feedrate?
Additionally, but perhaps not as impactful - depending on your set up, you are using a down-cut bit, so the chips are being forced downward into the cut. This will add resistance to your spindle, if you have no method of evacuating the chips. Taking multiple shallow passes usually creates better results in MDF. You can typically run a fairly modest feedrate if your bit is sharp. (Is your bit sharp?)
With MDF, I typically run an up-cut bit and get good results. I have the 2.2k ATC and can rip through MDF at high feedrates without issue.
If you can provide a little more detail, I (or someone else here) can try to help you pinpoint the issue.
Additionally, I wanted to add an important way of looking at this issue.
- Think: “Heat”
- What you are seeing is friction, and it is causing heat and resistance to the bit and spindle.
What in your process do you think would be causing “heat”?
Keeping your bit cool is the key to keeping your bit life high, and the resistance to your spindle low. (Extending the life of both).
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Sorry to be so late in reply the problem resolution was to use an upcut bit I have the 80mm 220 pwn spindle which I really like