This is how I sharpen end mills. I have a cheap, Ozito rotary tool for which I made a couple of tool post holders. One for the rotary tool, the other for the extension, both are adjustable.
I have marks on the chuck backing plate and a pointer for indexing, although, mostly I just do it by eye.
The stone was a little course, but it works OK. I'd run out of fine stones, so just used what was handy.
I start off by chucking the end mill and grinding the end of the end mill flat, then using a different stone, I grind a dimple in the middle. you can either run the lathe or turn the chuck by hand, although running the lathe wears out the stones rather quickly.
Next, I adjust the rotary tool to give a good cutting angle and grind each cutting edge. Once done, I ensure the dimple in the middle reaches out to,the inner cutting edge, if not, I just grind the dimple a little wider.
This was done on a four flute, for aluminium, I use two flutes. Four flutes tend to gunk up.
I don't regrind the flute edges as that affects the diameter of the end mill.
As you can see in the last pic, even using a very course wheel the finish is decent.
This is how I sharpen end mills, I'm not suggesting it will suit you, but it suits me, gives good results and saves on end mills and a big outlay for a T&C grinder. If you don't like, simple scroll past.
I have marks on the chuck backing plate and a pointer for indexing, although, mostly I just do it by eye.
The stone was a little course, but it works OK. I'd run out of fine stones, so just used what was handy.
I start off by chucking the end mill and grinding the end of the end mill flat, then using a different stone, I grind a dimple in the middle. you can either run the lathe or turn the chuck by hand, although running the lathe wears out the stones rather quickly.
Next, I adjust the rotary tool to give a good cutting angle and grind each cutting edge. Once done, I ensure the dimple in the middle reaches out to,the inner cutting edge, if not, I just grind the dimple a little wider.
This was done on a four flute, for aluminium, I use two flutes. Four flutes tend to gunk up.
I don't regrind the flute edges as that affects the diameter of the end mill.
As you can see in the last pic, even using a very course wheel the finish is decent.
This is how I sharpen end mills, I'm not suggesting it will suit you, but it suits me, gives good results and saves on end mills and a big outlay for a T&C grinder. If you don't like, simple scroll past.
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