Emco FB2 clone – how far can you push it?

[Diy AddictParticipant @diyaddict]

I just acquired a used Axminster VHM mill, which is a Taiwanese clone of the Emco FB2. It's a very capable machine for its size – so much so, I'm afraid of wearing it out or breaking it by using too deep cuts etc.

I've been using Sandvik 12mm solid carbide end mills quite a bit for making steel hold-down clamps, tee nuts etc. A speeds & feeds calculator gives a speed of 2500 rpm, so I've been using it at 2000 rpm with reasonable but not great results (I use morse taper collets for toolholding).

So far I haven't risked a cut deeper than 1mm. The motor gets quite hot and I'm also worried about stripping the tufnol gear. So my question is to owners of the FB2 and its clones – how far can you push it milling mild steel without risking damage? What depth of cut would it cope with, for a 12mm (1/2" ) solid carbide cutter, and other sizes? What about DOC for side-milling?

Thanks in advance, Paul

[Diy AddictParticipant @diyaddict]

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