Will this work as a facemill?

[lvittori]

Thanks for all the info. I'm learning a lot here. I don't know the first thing about grinding tools so fly cutters are probably not for me. I've read some about grinding tools for the lathe. I've been using brazed carbide tools on my mini-lathe which aren't too awfully expensive so I didn't see the point in trying to figure out how to grind my own. You say never cut anything else with the end mill. Since the inserts are indexable would there be any harm in using it on steel with one point of the insert and aluminum on another?

[LeeWay]

I think I bought my flycutters from Grizzly. Not too bad on quality. I have only used the medium sized one though. It stays tight. I use an insert tool holder in mine. It holds three tipped cutters. The tool I use is for cutting center. Type E in this image. No need to sharpen these. You can cut steels or aluminum with these. I think he may have been referring to using a specific type grind for aluminum only.

[blades]

Originally Posted by Thazul I purchased a cheap 3 piece set of fly cutters and some square tools for them prior to finding the face mill on ebay. I have no experience with grinding the tools, after some reading I got it to work alright, but... Those cheap fly cutters are made of a really soft metal, and I've had the square tools that go in them actually wiggle loose, damaging the holder. I had the set screws really tight too... That indexable face mill you purchased will cut like a dream.. Mine leaves a beautiful finish on aluminum. (never cut anything else with it) - Andy

No reason for them to be hardened. They are typically made from mild steel, which should be just fine. If you've had trouble with the set screws coming loose, try getting some knurled or cone style set screws for holding the bit in place. Alternately, you can machine a small spotface about .030 deep in the side of the tool bit where the set screw contacts it. This is assuming you're using a carbide tool bit, which will have a soft steel body. If you're using high-speed steel bits, disregard everything above.

[Thazul]

The lathe tools I have are 1/2" shank, so they wouldn't fit in the fly cutters I bought.
I had been thinking about making my own fly cutter, One that could hold one of my lathe tools with inserts.
The lathe tools I have might have held in place better, The set screw could have gotten a bite into the tool.
My lathe tools seem kinda soft, the set screws dig into them on my tool post.

-

Andy