Itty bitty end mills?

[JimDawson]

Here is another option. I forgot to mention these guys earlier. They specialize in small end mills.

https://bitsbits.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=535

 

[WMello]

I've used dozens of end mills from the seller Carbide Plus on eBay
Normally 1/8, 1/16 and 1/32" by Kyocera, and mostly used in brass.

http://stores.ebay.com/CARBIDE-PLUS?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

Wagner

 

[chips&more]

What are you trying to do with a small end mill? What machine(s) will the small end mill be mounted in? When you are doing a micro machining task, the applied general machinist skills and knowledge are not really the same only similar! You may need small end mills and also learn how to micro machine. And for me, that learning was not overnight. If anyone reading this has truly made a watch part, they know what I mean…Dave.

 

[David S]

I am an amateur clock repair guy and I use straight fissure carbide dental burrs for some milling in brass. My dentist gave me a bunch that he said were worn out. The work fine for side milling.

David

 

[Aaron_W]

I was looking at HSS, my understanding is that carbide is unnecessary and possibly undesirable for non-ferrous metals, although that second part seems to be debatable depending on who you ask.
I did find a few by searching 3/64, 1/16, 3/32 end mill, but very mixed results. Also I see I left it out but I'm hoping to find them with a 3/16" shank to fit my smallest collet. That last is not a deal breaker, just means I'll need to get a smaller collet. I thought perhaps I was using the wrong term for what I need.

Intended materials aluminum, or brass

It would be used in a Sherline 5400 mill

The immediate project would be making wheel hubs for a 1/25 scale truck, so making several short (perhaps 1/4"), shallow length ways slots on 1/4-3/8" rod. I haven't figured out how to post photos since photobucket went insane, but I'm sure everybody has seen a truck hub with the rise and fall around the body of the hub.

If there are other options for tools I'm all ears. I was also considering Dremel bits if I could find the right size / shape. This would also require a smaller collet since they have 1/8" shanks.

 

[JimDawson]

I use a Harbor Freight pencil air grinder for a high speed spindle for end mills down to 0.005. Has a 1/8 collet. All you have to do is hang it off of your quill. Really tiny endmills require high speed and a really stable setup.

I don't know if you could hand crank a machine with a tiny endmill, I've never tried it. Would require a really steady hand. HSS is much more forgiving than carbide.

 

[Groundhog]

I use end-mills down to 0.005" with my added-on high speed spindle. I usually go to https://bitsbits.com or http://www.endmill.com/pages/micro_endmills.html just for convenience.
Search for "miniature end mills", "micro end mills" or "small end mills" and you will find a ton of places.
I go to the usual too suppliers for most of the time for anything larger than 0.125".

 

[BRIAN]

Last week I cut some 1MM slots in the pulleys of my Radial engine http://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/five-cylinder-radial-with-ohc.34815/
I used my mill that has a top speed of 2000 rpm held the cutter in my keyless chuck and used the hand feed. the cutters came from China via Ebay
Had I seen this thread I my never have started the job. Take care and go slow.
Brian.

 

[JimDawson]

Last week I cut some 1MM slots in the pulleys of my Radial engine http://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/five-cylinder-radial-with-ohc.34815/
I used my mill that has a top speed of 2000 rpm held the cutter in my keyless chuck and used the hand feed. the cutters came from China via Ebay
Had I seen this thread I my never have started the job. Take care and go slow.
Brian.

Can't argue with success.

 

[Bob Korves]

I have not done any tiny work. I have about ten NOS high quality USA made 1/16" cutters in new condition that I got essentially free. My mill tops out at 3400 RPM, which would give around 55 SFPM, pretty slow for all but steel, and I think steel with that size cutter could snap a lot of end mills pretty easily, even with a tight machine, a Servo power feed, and a careful approach to the job. Still, I might try it at some point just to see what happens, interesting thread...