mill a V-channel in 304 sst

[kendo]

I need to mill a V-channel in a piece of 304 Stainless, its .060" deep, 90 degrees.

I was gonna throw a drill-mill at it, but the customer wants no flat in the bottom

Y'all think a full-point engraving bit would hold up allright?
Maybe if I rough it with the drill mill 1st?
How hard would ya feed the engraver with that fine point through this tough stuff?

thanks for any advice you may have
-Kenny

[rbcmetalwork]

Perhaps a double angle milling cutter.

I've used the 60-degree engraving tools on 303 stainless steel. The sharp tip didn't hold up well. This was only cutting .015" deep.

[kendo]

Thanks, but I dont see how that would work in my application...

The channel is actually a rectangular "race track" 4 x 2", with 1/2" radius in the corners

[Delw]

Thats going to be a tough one on tools.
Grinding would be best. A engraving tool would work buts going to be slow
another option I have used is a carbide slittling saw and have it ground, and mount the work pcs in a 4th axis or up against a angle plate. the picture posted above would work if you have clearance. the more teeth the better in 304 ss.

with out knowig what type of mill its going to be cut on, how deep and wide the groove is and along with your capibilities its going t be hard to tell you how to do it.

[neilw20]

Delwa !!!

After the slitting saw goes around the 1/2" radius corners it won't be too healthy.

Kendo.

Might be easier to make a copper positive and spark erode it.
Good tool life, but not too easy on a standard mill.

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Kenny, I do not know what your machine looks like or spindle rpm capability. Back in my ancient history we milled such slots with single lip carbide end mills using air blast for coolant and chip removal. This was cutting D-2 at 58-62 Rc.

CAUTION Nasty sharp little chips !!!!! Eye protection mandatory !!!!!! Sharp little buggers stick in your fingers too. LOL

Dick Z