cutting graphite blocks.

[Steve knight]

I have been doing work for a glass blower and this time I have to cut the mount out of a 24"x13"x3" block of graphite (it only costs 1500.00) I cut it on my cnc router but I need to saw the parts apart and cut for thickness. last tiem I tired it on my bandsaw it kept bogging down. but I think the blade was slipping since it took a bit to get back to speed. the stuff cuts pretty easily for the most part.

[Tim Orr]

Call the supplier and ask them? They probably cut your blocks down from bigger pieces.....

[Andy Sowers]

Not too much help I know... but the graphite "dust" you are generated when cutting on the BS might have been the root cause of the blade slipping. Powdered graphite as you probably know is a good dry lube!!

[Steve knight]

I wanted it in a block as it is easier to hold one piece in place. but I used the tablesaw to cut the blocks apart this time. yes I was thinking the same the dust causing slippage even with the dc on. I wish I remembered to take a picture of the raw block. the bottom was flat and two sides the rest looked like lava. the top needed 1/2" removed to make it flat. I must have put 300.00 in dust in my cyclone. http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s266/knighttoolworks/photo1-6.jpg http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s266/knighttoolworks/photo2-6.jpg