End-Mill bit 6061

[Ed Williams]

I'm still very new at this. Thought I should get that out of the way first. When milling aluminum 3/8 to 3/4 inch what is the longest lasting type bit to use for a happy medium of cut and finish. I'm cutting mainly with 1/8 and 1/4 bits. And where can I get the best price on small orders($100-$200).
Thanks

[werks]

I am not sure what you are looking for, but I use Garr's 242m end mills in aluminum. Super finishes, and they will move material in a hurry if you have the RPM.

BTW a "bit" is something people who drill in the earth use, or an equestrian.

[Karl_T]

For what you're doing I'd just use HSS endmills from most any high quality company. WAY cheaper than carbide. There's unbelievable deals on Ebay if you got the time to fart around. (My son and I wonder who's stealing all the endmills from their day job to sell on ebay)

Otherwise, J&l, MSC, and Enco all run great sales. I wouldn't buy the Asain made ones, but that's just a personal prejudice against crap.

Karl