- Joined
- Dec 20, 2012
- Messages
- 9,422
It might be time to make or buy a flycutter. WreckWreck turned us on to the B-52: http://www.kristitool.com/b-52-fly-cutter/
The B-52 can run at high speeds, uses a single inserted carbide tip and can cut to a shoulder, which is a big advantage. Not cheap but it looks good.
Another option is the Tormach Superfly: https://www.tormach.com/store/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=32428
The Superfly also uses inserts and cuts a clean, flat surface. Finish is acceptable but not a mirror finish. Can be run at high speeds and is half the cost of a B-52. It cannot cut to a shoulder, which is a disadvantage but it will cut a very flat, even surface. I own this one at the moment.
You can also make your own head to take a LH HSS flycutting tool.
Or you can make a head to accept a Superfly arm or a Suburban Tool flycutter arm. All of these will be faster than a shell mill and potentially will produce a finish that is as good or better than a shell mill. They all use only a single insert. The carbide cutters will also run at the max speed of your mill, enhancing finishes, and all can run with low HP motors.
That old brazed carbide shell mill has a socket head screw underneath so I suspect the cutter head can be replaced. Personally, I would go with a fly cutter. If you have the HP, that B-52 can take a o.100" bite so it can do stock removal, too.
The B-52 can run at high speeds, uses a single inserted carbide tip and can cut to a shoulder, which is a big advantage. Not cheap but it looks good.
Another option is the Tormach Superfly: https://www.tormach.com/store/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=32428
The Superfly also uses inserts and cuts a clean, flat surface. Finish is acceptable but not a mirror finish. Can be run at high speeds and is half the cost of a B-52. It cannot cut to a shoulder, which is a disadvantage but it will cut a very flat, even surface. I own this one at the moment.
You can also make your own head to take a LH HSS flycutting tool.
Or you can make a head to accept a Superfly arm or a Suburban Tool flycutter arm. All of these will be faster than a shell mill and potentially will produce a finish that is as good or better than a shell mill. They all use only a single insert. The carbide cutters will also run at the max speed of your mill, enhancing finishes, and all can run with low HP motors.
That old brazed carbide shell mill has a socket head screw underneath so I suspect the cutter head can be replaced. Personally, I would go with a fly cutter. If you have the HP, that B-52 can take a o.100" bite so it can do stock removal, too.
