I need to purchase a new insert for my TAIG Fly cutter. The arbor holds a 1/4" tool. I've read that tools with a radius (versus a square) edge will provide a better finish. Would this tool work: http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PARTPG=INLMKD&PMPXNO=940887&PMAKA=383-4002 ?

Thanks.

Actually, Tikka, can you grind your own? I would use a carbide tipped tool with this type of profile for a smoother surface:


sorry about the large pic - :)

Fretsman - thanks for the picture! I cannot grind my own; I run my CNC mill out of my apartment bedroom, hence no sparks! I'd prefer to purchase it. I'll see if I can find one at Enco with a profile like your photo.

Who said you need a bench grinder?

Neil - interesting. Alright, two dumb questions:

1) Do I just buy a "blank" carbide piece from enco then?
2) How do you grind a smooth radius? Steady handed?

Go to a second hand tool shop and get some toolholders with removable inserts seeing as how you probably don't want to weld in your living room.
Look on e-bay. Plenty of low cost tools with removable inserts.
You are running CNC, so just use something a bit pointy and let the CNC make the radii as required. It'll teach you a bit of Gcode too.

Neil,

I tend to order online because I'm stuck in NYC and do not have a car. It's just easier to find stuff on eBay, Enco, etc.

What do you mean "use something a bit pointy" and let the CNC make the radii. Should I chuck a dremel grinding bit in my taig?

Can I purchase any 1/4" toolholder with removable inserts (and the removable inserts) from enco or should I look for something specific?

Neil,

I tend to order online because I'm stuck in NYC and do not have a car. It's just easier to find stuff on eBay, Enco, etc.


What do you mean "use something a bit pointy" and let the CNC make the radii. Should I chuck a dremel grinding bit in my taig?

The CNC can make nice curves with any tool. Why do want to bother with form tools? Use the CNC for what it is. You can use the taig as a CNC grinder if you wish.


Can I purchase any 1/4" toolholder with removable inserts (and the removable inserts) from enco or should I look for something specific?
I suppose you can afford anything seeing as how you don't have a car.

I think Neil may have just misunderstood you. If I get this right, Neil is talking about using the cutter to cut a radius into a part.

You want to put a radius on the tool, but not as a form tool for cutting that radii to parts, simply for smoother finish on flat fly cuts, right?

You guys are both correct, but I think talking about two different things!

I think you can likely find plenty of bits with a slightly radiused edge (it doesn't take much, a fly cutter isn't cutting very deep), or just hand radius them yourself if necessary.

Stepper - you're exactly right.

I've never owned a carbide tipped tool like this hence the apprehension on which way to go. I'll order this one: http://tinyurl.com/6d88kb (unless someone has a better recommendation) and see how it goes!

grind your own? I would use a carbide tipped tool



Be careful of grinding carbide and breathing too much of the dust. The cobalt binder can cause fatal lung problems:

http://www.bcsawfilers.com/usr_files/Cobalt-Hard_Metal__Myths.pdf (http://www.bcsawfilers.com/usr_files/Cobalt-Hard_Metal__Myths.pdf)