I myself have used all kinds of indexable ball mills. I machine basic free machining steel. The indexable ball mills I had didn't work all that well. They didn't run as fast or as smooth as solid carbide. Plus the insert prices are quite expensive. Sure they may be comparable to resharpening solid carbide, but I get alot more life out of the solid carbide. I use Hanita Varimill endmills and ball mills. These carbide tools have a TiAlN coating. They run twice as fast and can take a much heavier cut. With a 3/4" ball mill I can cut a 3/8" depth no problem. I used the indexable cutters for many years, and nothing comes close to the Varimill.
Joshman |