Climb vs. Conventional Cutting

[richardsalzman]

I have previously read that for CNC machining, use climb cutting for both roughing and finishing.  I was just checking some speeds and feeds with the CNC Wizard and noticed that they recommended conventional for roughing and climb for finishing.  I am using a 4HP benchtop mill converted to cnc.  Any thoughts on this one?

Thanks... Richard

[programming2C78B]

That's because you have a cut width of 3/8 with a 3/8 tool! 

[richardsalzman]

Thanks!  Just to be clear, you are saying that I should use conventional for roughing and climb for finishing when the cut width is the same as the tool width?

Richard

[seth.madore]

When cut width and tool width are the same, you're cutting with both sides of the tool, so you're climb AND conventional cutting at the same time.

[richardsalzman]

Thanks... I didn't think of it that way.  So does that mean I can just leave it as climb cutting for both the roughing and finishing?

[seth.madore · Accepted solution]

Outside of plastic or light duty manual machines, always go Climb milling.

[richardsalzman]

Thanks Seth.  That is what I have been doing so far.  Have a great day.

[programming2C78B]

I climb in plastic too without any issues! The only time I ever choose conventional is with 5th axis work where I go towards the vice, and would rather start outside the stock and move inwards then plunging through solid material.