Can I get some advice on what endmills to get first?

[slashmaster]

I think pretty soon I'm going to go to Harbor Freight and get my first mill and a set of endmills. I think I want an X3 of some sort (still open to advice) and I'm not sure what to get for a set of endmills. The only endmill I have so far is the one that comes with a dremel. What do I get if I want to cut wood, aluminum and steel and don't care too much how fast it is? Any other advice for a beginner is welcome!

[JWB_Machining]

idk about cutting wood but if it's your first set I'd say get a 1/8" - 1/2" off HSS Flat bottom 2 or 4 flute end mills. Because its your first set the cheaper the better because you're most likely going to break them and since you don't care about speed it just makes the most sense to get HSS in my opinion. If there's a good deal on a set of Solid Carbide definitely get em but idk what prices you're looking at. I'd check eBay if anything and try n find a lot of end mills for cheap, even if they're not so great imports you'll be much happier after you break and wear down a bunch because you were learning that you saved money instead of shelling out extra dough only to break the tool just as fast anyway.

[John Welden]

It kind of depends what you want to make and what machines you have. If you're just playing around, I guess the Horrible Freight will be ok.

I think a lot of beginner machinists wind up with a bunch of junk tools because they can't afford nice ones and then they end up having a bad experience. It's like learning to sail with no rudder and a hole in your boat. It's too bad that machining is so expensive.

John

[tobyaxis]

Get a few ok mid range endmills like Atrax. They are carbide and MSC has them on sale quite often. These cost a little more than the cheapos but at least you will be able to get some cutting experience.

The first thing you should buy after getting a machine is a pair of good safety glasses. Your machining experience will come to a halt if your in the hospital with an eye injury.

Are you looking for an R8 spindle or tappered???

If your looking for an R8 get a few solid holders from ETM and a few collets from Lyndex. These are priced well and excellant quality.

Happy Machining

[Doug Baker]

The size of the endmill I am afraid is entirly you decision as you know what you are machining.
However, I would strongly recomend you buy endmills that will plunge cut, these milling cutters have one tooth though to the centre.

Doug baker

[slashmaster]

idk about cutting wood but if it's your first set I'd say get a 1/8" - 1/2" off HSS Flat bottom 2 or 4 flute end mills. Because its your first set the cheaper the better because you're most likely going to break them and since you don't care about speed it just makes the most sense to get HSS in my opinion. If there's a good deal on a set of Solid Carbide definitely get em but idk what prices you're looking at. I'd check eBay if anything and try n find a lot of end mills for cheap, even if they're not so great imports you'll be much happier after you break and wear down a bunch because you were learning that you saved money instead of shelling out extra dough only to break the tool just as fast anyway.

Thanks JWB_Machining, so I should practice with cheap endmills first until I have a clue.

[slashmaster]

It kind of depends what you want to make and what machines you have. If you're just playing around, I guess the Horrible Freight will be ok.

I think a lot of beginner machinists wind up with a bunch of junk tools because they can't afford nice ones and then they end up having a bad experience. It's like learning to sail with no rudder and a hole in your boat. It's too bad that machining is so expensive.

John

Thanks John,

So what's wrong with the mills that come from that store anyway? Not rigid enough?

[slashmaster]

Get a few ok mid range endmills like Atrax. They are carbide and MSC has them on sale quite often. These cost a little more than the cheapos but at least you will be able to get some cutting experience.

The first thing you should buy after getting a machine is a pair of good safety glasses. Your machining experience will come to a halt if your in the hospital with an eye injury.

Are you looking for an R8 spindle or tappered???

If your looking for an R8 get a few solid holders from ETM and a few collets from Lyndex. These are priced well and excellant quality.

Happy Machining

Thanks Tobyaxis,

I don't know if I want an R8 or Tappered. What are the advantages to each?

[slashmaster]

The size of the endmill I am afraid is entirly you decision as you know what you are machining.
However, I would strongly recomend you buy endmills that will plunge cut, these milling cutters have one tooth though to the centre.

Doug baker

Thanks Doug,

Not too sure what you mean by that?

[John Welden]

Thanks John,

So what's wrong with the mills that come from that store anyway? Not rigid enough?

It's like the difference between a kitchen knife you buy at Walmart and a hand made Japanese knife. They'll both cut but one is a lot more fun and easy to use.

Machining isn't all that hard when you've got the right tools. It can be frustrating when you've got to fight things every step of the way. Ya, I can make nice parts on a piece of junk, but it sure isn't much fun. The awesome thing about good machine tools is that they do exactly what you tell them to do. (within reason)

[tobyaxis]

Thanks Tobyaxis,

I don't know if I want an R8 or Tappered. What are the advantages to each?

R8 is a common Taper that is found on Bridgeport Mills. These have a 7/16-20 thread on the back side to allow for the draw bar.

The tapered I referred to is usually a Morse Style No. 1 , 2 or 3 etc.