Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: jonny quest on March 19, 2012, 10:00:43 PM

Title: kennametal .5" indexable mill cutter
Post by: jonny quest on March 19, 2012, 10:00:43 PM
I don't know where to post this, so I'm trying here.

Looking for an indexable milling cutter.

My requirements are needs center cutting, and .5" size.

Anyone ever use one?
Title: Re: kennametal .5" indexable mill cutter
Post by: Ya-Nvr-No on March 19, 2012, 10:39:47 PM
check out DA milling system from http://www.hornusa.com/products/milling/
The PH Horn grooving tools are the best.

I found them to be much better tooling for me.
Title: Re: kennametal .5" indexable mill cutter
Post by: jonny quest on March 19, 2012, 10:56:01 PM
I couldn't find a center cutting one from them.
Title: Re: kennametal .5" indexable mill cutter
Post by: Ya-Nvr-No on March 19, 2012, 11:04:10 PM
http://www.hornusa.com/uploads/media/INFO9_11DE_DG_02.pdf

I did find these replaceable ends, not indexable. Ill look in the catalog tomorrow
Title: Re: kennametal .5" indexable mill cutter
Post by: jonny quest on March 19, 2012, 11:15:42 PM
Those look more expensive than a standard endmill!

I have a ihcnc mill (rf45) no toolchanger. I design my parts (aluminum) to work with one cutter when possible. I use the endmill for a lot of drilling operations when I can. It's been driving me crazy when I ding a corner of my standard carbide endmills.

I'm still learning and know this will continue to happen for awhile.

I also know that finish may suffer a bit going indexable.
Title: Re: kennametal .5" indexable mill cutter
Post by: titchener on March 22, 2012, 05:44:34 PM
Jonny, the only indexible endmills you'll be able to find at .5" and smaller usually only use one insert, I don't think they would work well for you. Most serious CNC shops don't move to an indexible endmill until they need 3/4" size or bigger, except for face milling.

For aluminum a 3 flute solid carbide endmill would be your best bet, I get good results with the ones from www.maritool.com .

Also, particularly on smaller machines, a 1/2" endmill is pretty big, you likely don't have the HP to make full use of that and carbide endmills don't last as long when they aren't run in their best range for their size. I'd stay at 3/8" or smaller when you can, with the added benefit that these endmills are cheaper.

You shouldn't be having problems with nicking the corners, are your speeds and feeds set correctly and are the chips get cleared?

Re-cutting of chips is something that will kill a carbide endmill.

Good luck-

Paul T.
www.power-t.com
Title: Re: kennametal .5" indexable mill cutter
Post by: HimyKabibble on March 22, 2012, 06:31:25 PM
Those look more expensive than a standard endmill!

I have a ihcnc mill (rf45) no toolchanger. I design my parts (aluminum) to work with one cutter when possible. I use the endmill for a lot of drilling operations when I can. It's been driving me crazy when I ding a corner of my standard carbide endmills.

I'm still learning and know this will continue to happen for awhile.

I also know that finish may suffer a bit going indexable.

I question why you bother with carbide for a '45.  The spindle speed is so low, you really can't get any benefit from carbide.  You'll get the same removal rate, and longer tool life (for less money), using HSS.  If you're using it right, a single HSS tool will last a loooooong time.  Though straight plunges are murder on ANY tool, and probably is why you're breaking so many corners.

Regards,
Ray L.