End Mills

[bernie weishapl]

Ok all you mill users out there I have a question. Which end mill would be better or does it make any difference? One set is a 4 flute HSS single ended 1/8″ to 1/2″ or 6 HSS 1/8 – 1/2 TIN COATED 4 FLUTE SINGLE END MILLS SET. The plain HSS set is I think $38 and the other coated set is $33. Just curious if there is a dimes worth of difference. Thanks.

[Bob Tascione]

Hi Bernie,
I think I would be suspicious of the TiN coated end mill if the price is actually lower than the straight HSS end mills. TiN end mills are great. The coating helps prevent metal chips from melting onto the steel. They can and should be run a little harder and faster than HSS. But…I think they are usually more expensive than non-TiN coated. If you’re looking at the same name brand and sizes and the TiN end mills cost less then I’m not sure what the deal is. Unless of course they are having a sale.
As a quick side not though…HSS end mills are also excellent and will perform perfectly for normal horological work.
Also, just a point of interest. The ‘TiN’ stands for titanium oxide. People often mistake that for tin.
Enjoy,
Bob

[bernie weishapl]

That is kinda what I was thinking Bob. Everything I had seen especially name brand stuff were quite a bit higher in price. Of course both of these sets are on ebay and was looking for something a little cheaper so if I happen to ruin one trying to learn that it wouldn’t break the bank. 😆 I think both of these sets are made either in China or Korea. Like I said for learning to use the Taig lathe as a mill.

[Bob Tascione]

Hi Bernie,
I have found that there are some decent import end mills and some not so good. Paying a little more usually pays off in the long run.
Bob

[bernie weishapl]

I have always lived by my grandfathers old saying. Ya get what ya pay for. 😆

[david pierce]

Bernie,
If you are going to mill in your Taig lathe I would not buy a set of endmills. A Bridgeport size machine can handle a 1/2 inch end mill with ease but a smaller less powerful machine will cut better with smaller endmill cutters. For a machine that small I would go with a 1/8 inch endmill. A larger cutter is going to transfer more foot pounds of torque through the machine. Small machine-small cutters.
david

[Bob Tascione]

Good catch David!
The part of your post about using a Taig didn’t register Bernie! I was under the impression that you purchased one of the HF mills that David and Tom have.

Bob

[bernie weishapl]

Thanks David and Bob. That is another thing that concerned me about buying a set. I was thinking of getting a 1/8″ and 3/16″. I didn’t think putting a 1/2″ end mill in my lathe would be a good idea after thinking about it. So do you think the 3/16″ would be to big also?

Also wanted to ask should a guy get 2, 4, or 5 flute end mills?

[david pierce]

Bernie,
It should be OK but you will quickly know if the cutter is too large when you start milling. The machine will begin to bounce; I hate it when that happens.
david

[bernie weishapl]

Ok David I see what you mean. Would a guy want a 2, 4, or 5 flute mill?

[david pierce]

Bernie,
For a given feed rate, RPM and cutter diameter, a 2 flute takes more metal per bite than a 4 flute. The 2 flute is more efficient for softer metals and other materials such as aluminum and plastic. The 4 flute is better suited for harder metals such as steel where cutter breakage could be a problem. This does not mean that they will not work if not used this way as 2 flute cutters are used a lot to cut steel.

[bernie weishapl]

Thank you David. I appreciate the help. I think maybe I will get both. I do cut aluminum and brass along with steel. Well have a lot to digest since I have a couple more days to sit. 😆

[chris mabbott]

Bernie it seems that the same questions are hitting our minds at the same time, so thanks for asking as I also find the answers very useful.

By the way, your recent setback may have caused a slight delay in production, but planning/purchasing are full speed ahead it seems 😆

[bernie weishapl]

Yes they are Chris. Figured I might as well get things setup and ready to go when I can get back to the shop. I have several projects that I have lined up.

[mahlon]

Bernie, did you purchase the milling attachment for your taig. Mahlon

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