[JWB_Machining]

The Spec says it's 4340 and I tested it to be about 44 Rockwell C. My Feed was 0.9 and my RPM was 300.

I went with a 0.1" depth of cut because a very wise man (you) once told me that to be safe I should make depths of cut about 20% of my cutter diameter and I've been using that because it's worked wonderfully. Plus I Figure once the contour is done then when I do a finishing pass at the final depth my cutter is still fresh and only the bottom 0.1" of it is worn. I will definitely try cutting at the entire depth in the future I just figured this might cause too much of a load on my tool or something and often if I screw up I've got explaining to do since I often only get one piece of material to have to machine from.

I do drill all the way through the material at the start of my contour and then plunge my cutter into that. You're saying In the future I should try cutting the contour at the entire depth?

Unfortunately we're not allowed to view streaming media here so I'll have to wait till I get home to check out the video. And Just to Check with steel like this I shouldn't have a chip load over .001 correct? Remeber I'm not a production shop here so often extended tool life takes importance over quick cycle time.

Since I've got your attention Geof when do you like to use indexable insert carbide end mills and when do you like to use solid carbide end mills?