Surface milling

[ROKR]

Looking to surface mill some steel. Probably going to be 12L14, 31/2" wide X 6" long. Have a Clausing mill and looking for the best possible finish. If someone could direct me to make and model of cutters, that would be very helpful. Thanks

 

[DMS]

What I have heard, and what have experienced myself is that a fly cutter with a sharp HSS cutter will give you the best surface finish. Take a light cut, and use some sort of cutting fluid for best results.

 

[8ntsane]

Hi,12L14 should give a fine finish even without a cutting fluid. But using a cutting fluid won't hurt.Biggest thing you can do to get a good finish is to use proper cutting speed with a very fine feed. A light cut at a very slow feed with a single point fly cutter will give about as good a finish as you normally get. Of course using a carbide insert cutter at much higher speeds and often do better in larger and more rigid machines.dalee

I do believe Dalee has given you good advise. If using HSS tooling, I would put a light radi on the nose, not pointy, and stone the edge too.

 

[ROKR]

Thanks guys.