Fly Cutter recommendation

[mwebster51]

I have a Precision Matthews PM-25MV, so a smaller mill. I am considering purchasing a fly cutter to be used mainly for mild steel, typically less than 3" wide. I am just skimming the surfaces and only want to remove 1-3 thou of material at a time . It is my understanding that fly cutters that use carbide inserts do not work well when taking cuts less than 5 thou. Can anyone recommend a fly cutter that will work well when when removing 0.001" to 0.003". Are there any fly cutters with inserts that will work well in that range? Thanks

 

[Skymark]

Take a look at Shrum Solutions Tri-Fly face mill to see if it will meet your needs

 

[ChazzC]

This was recently discussed in some depth on the “Canadian Forum:”

https://canadianhobbymetalworkers.com/threads/fly-cutter-with-indexable-carbide-cutter.12857/

 

[Eddyde]

A simple fly-cutter with a HSS bit will do what you want. Something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Steelex-M1096-Cutter-Tool-Bits/dp/B005W1BXZS/ref=asc_df_B005W1BXZS?mcid=a9583176f5fe37ad8e4e177eb77a6b64&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693524366840&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13082483972723056399&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004783&hvtargid=pla-448499283787&psc=1

 

[pontiac428]

I've seen some far east import insert cutters that look okay recently, but never run one. @Eddyde nailed it, though. I just wanted to post to plug the best flycutters I've ever used, the Lopre/Flexbar dual rougher/finisher design. I have a 7" that I use for cylinder heads where I want skim control and high finish. The design allows for some pleasing options, like using a larger tip radius finisher along with a cobalt rougher. I just picked up a 3" for general purpose for when I need thinner passes than my old faithful insert face mill can do adequately.

 

[verbotenwhisky]

I have a Precision Matthews PM-25MV, so a smaller mill. I am considering purchasing a fly cutter to be used mainly for mild steel, typically less than 3" wide. I am just skimming the surfaces and only want to remove 1-3 thou of material at a time . It is my understanding that fly cutters that use carbide inserts do not work well when taking cuts less than 5 thou. Can anyone recommend a fly cutter that will work well when when removing 0.001" to 0.003". Are there any fly cutters with inserts that will work well in that range? Thanks

Make one. I built one that covers 3" and used the 5/16" Silver soldered lathe tool as the cutter.

 

[GeneT45]

I was going to call out @MrWhoopee - he once ref'd some flycutters from AliExpress(?) that he said worked great.

There really isn't that much to a flycutter ( or there needn't be ). Another one to make:

An insert cutter can cut very finely, though you may need to use inserts designed for aluminum or otherwise ground inserts to work with that very light cut. A traditional flycutter (like @verbotenwhisky showed) is a contender, and where most of us start, just watch the balance and mind your cutting geometries.

GsT

 

[mwebster51]

Take a look at Shrum Solutions Tri-Fly face mill to see if it will meet your needs

Thanks!

 

[mwebster51]

Thanks all for your responses!

 

[tjb]

DavidR8 recommended a Tormach Superfly Fly Cutter on the Canadian forum. I've had that same fly cutter for a number of years and have been very satisfied with it.

Regards