Need Some Advice On This Slotting Operation

[chips&more]

You never mentioned the final width of the slot. If you are going to use a 3/32” end mill. Then finding one that can cut a 3/8” depth is probably going to be Carbide. You can expect to break more than one end mill trying to get your project done with the end mill idea. With the info you have given, I would not try an end mill, It’s a nice idea but not for this application. A slotting saw is a much better way to go. And I think you are going to find the slotting saw cheaper than the box of 3/32” end mills with a 3/8” flute length that you will need…Good Luck, Dave.

 

[RJSakowski]

How wide is the slot? If it is 1/8", that is not beyond the capability of a HSS endmill. Even 3/32 is not bad in bronze. I would just make multiple shallow passes, increasing the depth until you reach the full depth. Run right down the center. You can then do cleanup passes at full depth on either side to achieve your full slot width.