Question On Cutters for 304 Stainless

[Aand55]

I Work at a machine shop, and am presently using a tin coated HSS end mill, to cut out 1.75 X .625 notches out of 304 Stainless. It takes forever, and I would like to know if there is a better cutter I could use on a bridgeport Mill to save me alot of time in this area? Is there ceramic or another material that could do the trick? If so. Where can I look for them? Thank you

[rounsy222]

Howdy, new out here. Have you tried using carbide at all? Actually tin coated carbide would be better. What is you setup like and depth of cut? And also are using a manual or an eztrax?

[Aand55]

Thanks for getting back to me Rounsy222. What I am trying to do (1 of my many cutting tasks at my job) is find a better way to cut (2) 1-3/4 inch x 1 inch notches that are about 5/8 of an inch deep, into 304 stainless steel rails. I am presently using a 2 horse power bridgeport knee mill, and I am performing the operation manually. I haven't tried using a solid carbide end mill yet, (Just tin coated HSS) but seems it may be the way to go. Any additional info is well appreciated. Thanks again

[rounsy222]

A coated carbide is the way to go. I would make a pass down the center and then climb mill down one side then move over and climb mill back out if using a smaller cutter or you could try an insert cutter and do it in on pass. Good thing about an insert cutter is after the initial expense of the tool the inserts are considerably cheaper than a new EM and you dont have to wait for it to get reground ever. Either scenario you will have to make several passes to get your depth. Leave .003 to .005 for your final pass to get everything nice and cleen. Good luck!!

[Aand55]

Thanks once again Rounsy222 for getting back. We do have a carbide 2/12 inch surface end mill with 5 insert attachments at our shop. It works great for skimming surfaces, and then of course we sand and polish afterwards....But I think you must be right on the solid carbide EM, since the surface cutter don't seem to take off more then 30 thousands at a time before the machine, and the tool start to act up..The inserts wear out quick that way too. I need something that can really remove the material quickly. Do you have any experience with ceramic cutters, or any other new tech stuff?? Thanks for all your in put .

[rounsy222]

you could use a carbide rougher then go back in with an EM. Atleast you could take deeper cuts that way. Make your pocket undersized then take most if not all with an EM. To answer your question about the new stuff no not yet but will be getting to some this week ironically. Unfortunatly with milling a pocket you can only go so deep per cut anyways. I am a fan of the 3 flutted roughers and EMs, it gives you the best of both worlds. I also believe the make inserted roughers as well but it has been a while since I had a chance to look at a tooling catalog, about 4 years. The place I work at now is a production shop where everything is preordered by the master programer. You also could ask you tooling supplier, they have some pretty good advice sometimes. Best of luck!!

[rounsy222]

I just wanted to add best of luck. Having an issue that you know there is a better way is humbling, that is how I found this site yesterday. Hopefully I helped somewhat. There seems to be some really good minds out here with all kinds of different experiences. If you know anything about 4130 let me know.

[Aand55]

Hey Thanks again for sharing your experience on this topic...I personally am not familiar with the 4130...But I can ask around in my travels, and I will gladly drop you a line if I come across any information.