Walter FaceMill Choice

[ronboult]

Hi Pixman
Thanks for all your help. With the Walter Mills I need all the help I can get to understand the various combinations.
With this Ebay listing for a F2280 Facemill http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/371274410017?...EBIDX%3AIT
can you advise if it takes the larger 0605ZZN or smaller 0504ZZN inserts?

The other Mill (F2333 B 040 Z06 05) is listed here http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/251854958365?...EBIDX%3AIT
Thanks
Ron

[PixMan]

The F2280 you posted takes the smaller ODMT0504ZZN inserts.

The other cutter(s) is clearly F2233 as you can see the number printed on the body on the right hand side of the photo.

If I were buying I would go after the F2280 posted earlier that is less money and comes with a pack of inserts that are ideal. Only if that one falls through, I would get the one you posted above.

[ronboult]

Thanks PixMan for all your help.
I will take your advice and bid on the F4080. So far no bids but who knows what it will go for. The F2280 is a back up and who knows if I get the F4080 for a reasonable price I may be able to afford both.
Ron

[Mayhem]

The F4080 is essentially the same as the F2280, except in this case it uses smaller inserts, so in my opinion it doesn't make sense to buy them both.

A shoulder mill would be a better option if yo want to get another insert mill.

[ronboult]

Hi Mayhem
The reason I might buy both is that I mill both Alu and Steel and the inserts preferable for each metal are different. I get a much better finish on Alu when I use inserts specific for this metal- Uncoated, polished, and super sharp. having two Facemills means I don't have to change inserts and loose track of which corner I have used

I do have a shoulder mill which uses APMT 1604 Inserts but I don't get such a good finish with this Mill. Usefull occasionally but I think I will use the F2080/F4080 style mill more often.
Thanks for the suggestion
Ron

[Mayhem]

No probs. I'm sure Ken can help you out with your shoulder mill issues.

Have you downloaded the Walter app that analyses/calculates all the parameters? I'd link to it if I wasn't on my phone right now. Ken goes through the process in a thread he started on an insert end mill. The search function (click the tab, don't use the box) should find it for you.

The inserts have an indicator on them, so if I have to switch between two grades I simply write down the position.

[PixMan]

Ron,

Very few "home shop" guys bother to have multiple tools of the same type loaded with inserts for the aluminium and steel (or other materials), though I admire your willingness to invest in doing so.

Ken

[ronboult]

Hi Pixman

Thanks for the ebay listing for the F4080. I won the auction but I will have to wait a while for it to arrive. Usually 3 to 4 weeks pOstage from USA. Now looking for R8 to 16mm arbor. This will have to do since I am unlikely to find a Tormach style 16mm arbor. See below.

I would like to buy a second Mill as I dislike changing insert. I have adopted the Tormach system and have all my endmills etc in seperate ER20 holders. I know these are designed for an auto changer on a CNC mill but they work just as well on a manual mill. My mill is a pain to wind the head up and down for tool changes and the short 3/4 arbors make this tolerable. I was originally concerned that the Tormach system might increase runout but my measurements suggest thet are just as accurate as R8 collets, even the chinese copies are quite good.
Do you think that ODHT0504-G88 WK10 inserts will give a better finish on Alu
Ron

[Mayhem]

Congratulations on the F4080, you will enjoy using it

[PixMan]

Ron,

That's great that you got that deal on cutter with inserts. Quite a good bargain, for sure.

The ODHT0504ZZN-G88 inserts will cut aluminum easily, using less power than the other "general purpose" inserts. There is a grade WXN15 which is just as sharp but lasts longer and can be used in other materials when you need the very lowest cutting force in a finish cut. The uncoated and polished grade WK10 is just fine for aluminum and plastics.

The finish you'd get with either style could be very similar, as finish is more dependent upon feed rate than anything else. One thing that could affect finish in alu when using the duller edge of an ODMT insert is that the alu might stick to the cutting edge and coating more easily. That condition of "built up edge" can smear and redeposit on the surface, especially if cutting dry.