Extended Length End Mills

[kwoodhands]

I'm machining though 3" aluminum bar and the longest end mill I have is 2" so it requires 2 different set-ups. looking for a source of extended length end mills . I prefer 2 flute end mills. Any recommendations of where to buy these.

I have bought long length endmills from MSC. The ones I bought are not center cutting, found that out by accident.
mike

 

[Andre]

I have bought long length endmills from MSC. The ones I bought are not center cutting, found that out by accident.
mike

Center cutting with an extended length endmill is just asking for trouble. They tend to wobble then snap.

 

[Tony Wells]

Sometimes, Andre, when you are running a ramp in, or spiral in plunge routine on a CNC mill and you need the reach there isn't a lot of choice, and for that they need to be c-c. Not always for "drilling holes" like you would on a manual mill.

 

[jbolt]

Another forum member turned me on to theses for deep milling. I was getting terrible chatter from an extra long end mill. Not cheap but they work great.

 

[ecdez]

Mc-master has some with 3" length of cut.

I have one that's 2" and only use in emergencies as the chatter is horrible.

Another forum member turned me on to theses for deep milling. I was getting terrible chatter from an extra long end mill. Not cheap but they work great.

That seems like a reasonable solution. Price isn't good if you're only making one but for a short production it'd probably be worth the investment.