Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  0
Needs Pictures Needs Pictures:  0
Picture(s) thanks Picture(s) thanks:  0
Results 1 to 5 of 5
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Newcastle
    Posts
    5

    Default HSS End Mill life

    G’day, I bought the set of HAFCO End Mill Slot/Slot Drills,used mostly the 12mm dia cutter, used on a HM36 mill/drill
    What life can I expect before needing regrinding, I brush on cutting fluid and just hand feed, does touching up cutting edges help
    cheers

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    South Australia
    Posts
    1,656

    Default

    I am no expert although it will depend on what material you are cutting what speed you are running plus the rate of travel, it is a bit like
    how long is a piece of string

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Location
    Melbourne
    Age
    35
    Posts
    1,522

    Default

    If you don't have power feed you'll just break them or chip the tips well before they actually become blunt. Otherwise it really comes down to material.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Norwood-ish, Adelaide
    Age
    59
    Posts
    6,541

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by caskwarrior View Post
    If you don't have power feed you'll just break them or chip the tips well before they actually become blunt.
    The other thing that chips the tips is play in the machine. Make sure your slides are not sloppy and don't climb mill.

    Michael

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Griffith NSW
    Posts
    435

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Galby View Post
    G’day, I bought the set of HAFCO End Mill Slot/Slot Drills,used mostly the 12mm dia cutter, used on a HM36 mill/drill
    What life can I expect before needing regrinding, I brush on cutting fluid and just hand feed, does touching up cutting edges help
    cheers
    A few things:
    - HAFCO end mills = garbage. Contemplate how tight a manufacturer has to be to braze HSS cutting sections to mild steel shanks for a 6mm end mill. Of course, youre not seeing the savings from that, youre just getting the craptastic end product and paying a fortune for it.

    - Life is hard to guage, but rubbing is the enemy for end mills. Take light cuts and relatively quick feeds. A 12mm end mill can cut a 6mm deep channel in one pass in theory, but your mill is not going to be able to provide enough rigidity to drive the tool like that.

    - Id ditch the cutting fluid, replace it with compressed air. Oils tend to make the endmills sticky, which encourages the chip to re-enter the cut and get recut. Its essential for tool life to get the chip the hell outta there. Get one of those 7 dollar misting setups from fleabay and use that to evacuate chips. That alone will pay itself off very very quickly.

    - I wouldnt bother with regrinding at that size, its not going to be economically viable. Ditch the HSS and get solid carbide end mills off ebay. 15 bucks gets you a 12mm and youll never look back at those hafco pieces of...

Similar Threads

  1. The Life of a Bolt
    By Chris Parks in forum METALWORK GENERAL
    Replies: 22
    Last Post: 11th Aug 2017, 09:13 PM
  2. Oxy/lpg hose life
    By bob ward in forum WELDING
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 22nd Mar 2015, 01:36 PM
  3. The best things in life are free...
    By sossity in forum WELDING
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 18th May 2014, 01:13 PM
  4. Arc rod shelf life.
    By Optimark in forum METALWORK GENERAL
    Replies: 29
    Last Post: 13th Jun 2013, 07:43 PM
  5. Old Steam Engine Bought to life.
    By Abratool in forum METALWORK GENERAL
    Replies: 20
    Last Post: 17th May 2012, 10:11 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •