Router bits used in a mill

[redvan22]

I've read that some use router bits meant for wood as tooling in a mill. Is this safe?

I'm trying to find a way to cut a 60 degree slope on a length of bar stock in my mini mill and have been unable to find a milling cutter to do the job so I've been considering using a router bit but I'm hesitant because it just doesn't seem safe.

I currently do not have a vise capable of allowing me to set this angle so a less expensive solution would be a router bit.

Michael.

 

[motormech1]

What material are you cutting? It works for aluminum, maybe other non-ferrous metals, someone else will chime in, but nothing ferrous. Also, most use carbide cutters. What about something like this:

 

[Eddyde]

but nothing ferrous.

Router bits will cut steel just fine, in a mill or lathe, as long as you use the same speed & feed as if using an end mill, etc. I've done this many times over the past 40 years.
I've even used HS steel spade bits to counterbore cast-iron, then used them to bore wood again.

 

[redvan22]

What material are you cutting? It works for aluminum, maybe other non-ferrous metals, someone else will chime in, but nothing ferrous. Also, most use carbide cutters. What about something like this:


View attachment 444448

Motormech1,
My material is crs.
That cutter would do the trick, a bit expensive for one project though.
While waiting for a response, I looked at tilting mill tables and found one I think that would solve several issues.
1 - solves my current issue.
2.- dislike spending monies for a one time use cutter.
3 - the table would allow me versatility eliminating the need for multiple cutters in the future as this has not been the first time I've been in this corner.
I went to McMaster Carr and Shars and another website and didn't see a cutter like that. Where did you find it?
Thank you for your time and suggestion.

 

[redvan22]

Router bits will cut steel just fine, in a mill or lathe, as long as you use the same speed & feed as if using an end mill, etc. I've done this many times over the past 40 years.
I've even used HS steel spade bits to counterbore cast-iron, then used them to bore wood again.

Most of my router bits are 1/4" shanks and that alone scares me.

 

[Ischgl99]

I use router bits frequently on aluminum, I haven’t tried it on steel yet, but don’t see why that wouldn’t work too. I use 1/2” shank bits when possible, but if I only have what I need in 1/4”, I use that too, but take smaller cuts.

You want to look for chamfering cutters, that is what the picture above shows. Decent ones are going to cost at least what is shown above. Travers has some, but they cost more than that. If you don’t think you will need it again, the router bit might be the best way, but if you are doing a deep cut, the router bit might not be rigid enough in crs to give a good finish. I am looking at getting a tilting table too, the nice part with that is you can do any angle you need with your standard end mills.

 

[Shotgun]

Router bits will cut steel just fine, you just have to be realistic about what you're asking from a 1/4" shank. Of course, you say you're using a mini-mill, so you're not used to hogging Abom76 type channels anyway. The bit designed for wood is going to have more rake and relief than what would be optimum for machining. Works great for wood, but will translate into shorter tool life for metal.

But, what the heck, Harbor Freight has more of them.

 

[Eddyde]

Most of my router bits are 1/4" shanks and that alone scares me.

Go slower, avoid any chatter. But yeah, ½" shanks would be best.
I should add. I'm not saying router bits are a direct replacement for proper milling cutters, just that, in a pinch they can be used. EG, I wouldn't attempt to cut slot in steel with a ¼"shank ¾"wide router bit. But round over or chamfer an edge should be no problem.

 

[motormech1]

Router bits will cut steel just fine, in a mill or lathe, as long as you use the same speed & feed as if using an end mill, etc. I've done this many times over the past 40 years.
I've even used HS steel spade bits to counterbore cast-iron, then used them to bore wood again.

Good to know, never seen it done though. I'll keep that in mind. Thanks!

Where did you find it?

KBC tools

 

[BGHansen]

Jim Dawson has a number of posts here using router bits on his CNC jobs. Search through his posts and you'll get a good idea what you can get away with.

Bruce