Roughing end mills. They cut much faster than a regular end mill. The fine tooth versions leave a finish that is often good enough.
Also, buying the center cutting version of whatever end mill you purchase will allow you to use the end mill as a drill. Not always important, but this feature is essential for cutting blind pockets.
Walt
Edit/ Also, end mill holders have the advantage over collets that they can't easily be sucked down out of the holder. (OTOH, they aren't quite as accurate in holding the end mill concentric with the shaft.)
If you decide to go with end mill holders, they are more expensive and available in fewer sizes than collets. It helps to purchase your end mills with shanks that will fit your end mill collection.
Also, it helps to have edge finders in several different shank diameters so you don't have to change end mill holders to find the edge, then change back to the size for your end mill.
Did anyone mention a depth gauge? Also known as a depth setter, z-axis setter, or an electronic height offset gauge.
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=434&PMITEM=308-0391
/Edit
Also, buying the center cutting version of whatever end mill you purchase will allow you to use the end mill as a drill. Not always important, but this feature is essential for cutting blind pockets.
Walt
Edit/ Also, end mill holders have the advantage over collets that they can't easily be sucked down out of the holder. (OTOH, they aren't quite as accurate in holding the end mill concentric with the shaft.)
If you decide to go with end mill holders, they are more expensive and available in fewer sizes than collets. It helps to purchase your end mills with shanks that will fit your end mill collection.
Also, it helps to have edge finders in several different shank diameters so you don't have to change end mill holders to find the edge, then change back to the size for your end mill.
Did anyone mention a depth gauge? Also known as a depth setter, z-axis setter, or an electronic height offset gauge.
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=434&PMITEM=308-0391
/Edit
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