01-01-2015, 07:49 AM
Hi Ed,
Fly cutting on the mill can be considered analogous to cutting on a lathe - single point tool bit except the tool bit moves and the work piece is stationary plus it is an interrupted cut.
I agree with Tom the tool tip bit needs a radius. Also keep the "over hang" as short as possible (that's the over hang of everything). Every thing needs to be rigid.
Also I have found fly cutting aluminium and cast iron is a lot easier than plain steel. Maybe there is less "bounce" with aluminium and cast iron?
The initial angle at which the tool hits the work piece can also make a difference a shallower angle can sometimes help.
I would not have used a fly cutter I would have used a small face cutter (I'm sure you have one) - this is not being defeatist - it is using what I think is the best tool for me.
Using a fly cutter with hand feed is also more difficult to get a nice finish but a radius on the tool tip will help.
DaveH
Fly cutting on the mill can be considered analogous to cutting on a lathe - single point tool bit except the tool bit moves and the work piece is stationary plus it is an interrupted cut.
I agree with Tom the tool tip bit needs a radius. Also keep the "over hang" as short as possible (that's the over hang of everything). Every thing needs to be rigid.
Also I have found fly cutting aluminium and cast iron is a lot easier than plain steel. Maybe there is less "bounce" with aluminium and cast iron?
The initial angle at which the tool hits the work piece can also make a difference a shallower angle can sometimes help.
I would not have used a fly cutter I would have used a small face cutter (I'm sure you have one) - this is not being defeatist - it is using what I think is the best tool for me.
Using a fly cutter with hand feed is also more difficult to get a nice finish but a radius on the tool tip will help.
DaveH