Dovetail Cutter question

[Greg 24]

I need to run a job (manufactured from A36 steel) on my VF4 APC that requires a 45 deg Dovetail to be machined into the side of it. The depth would be 1.25" (both directions to the side & down). Does anyone know where I can find a larger diameter cutter then the standard 2-1/2" diameter? Dorian makes a 2-1/2", but I need one with at least 3" diameter with a 1" shank. Any help will be appreciated. I hope this question is alright to post on this forum.

[WallyL7]

Good luck with that one - You may try these links for a custom tool

http://www.abtoolsinc.com/Dovetail-C...edDovetail.htm

or,

http://www.midwestcuttingtools.com/

Both will make custom tools. I would imagine that tool will put you back a little ($500+?)

Keep us posted - put up some pictures once you get going (I'd like to see the cut performed also!)

[HuFlungDung]

Time to fire up the old shaper

A 45° dovetail is tough on the cutter because of the acuteness of the point. It is most likely a waste of time to get a mammoth tool made that is capable of trim cutting the entire 45° face at one go, because the tool shock is going to be extreme.

Something more like a slotting saw (running on an arbor) with 45° inserts might be more suitable. You'd have to take stepover and step down cuts to form the surface. You could rough the surface with conventional square ended inserts.

Blending to 45° perfection might be a real PITA if the inserts aren't perfect.

[Greg 24]

I was able to find a carbide tipped 3" 45deg dovetail cutter in MSC. The price quoted to me was $289, not that bad. As soon as I receive this job I will post some pictures. Hopefully within a month I should have the PO for it. I plan on taking .100" depth or more (on x axis) until I get to the depth. I currently use my 2-1/2" 60 deg dovetail inserted cutter on my Mini-Mill the same way, but at only .050" depths (on x axis) and .200" depth (on z axis).

Thanks for the links I will check into them.