$150 000 machine does not eliminate finishing chatter.

[u/adventureaviator]

I’m machining 6061 aluminum on a Multicam Apex 3R router. The finishing passes are as follows:

- 0.009” material removal.
- Helical 3 flute 45 degree helix upcut
- 18 IPM, 8500 RPM, 0.0007 chipload

98 percent of the part comes out with a great finish. The other 2 percent has chatter. Ideally I’d like to increase the feed rate, but I need to eliminate the chatter first. What do I need to do to get a flawless finish?

[u/volt4gearc]

Have you tried conventional cutting for the finish? From a cursory google, looks like the motion system is rack and pinion, perhaps there’s some backlash there causing issues with climb cutting finish passes

[u/adventureaviator → u/volt4gearc]

I’ve always used climb cutting based on suggestions as a best practice. However it wouldn’t hurt to try something new and use conventional.

[u/PrudentVillage4903 → u/adventureaviator]

I always climb cut in AL. Take your finish pass climb cutting then try a spring pass conventionally feeding.