Check my math

[anejo smoker]

Hi all, trying to cut a 1/4" slot in a garden tractor axle, think it's 1037, 1055, 1541, don't know for sure.
Anyway I'm trying to do the math. Could someone take a look and see if I did it right. Thanks

 

[MrWhoopee]

I'm a little confused by your calcs, but if it IS a 1/4" (.250) cutter and the shaft is not hardened:
(80x4)/.25=1280 rpm
Being of unknown material, maybe dial it back a few hundred rpm.

 

[anejo smoker]

The cutter is a 1" × 1/4" woodruff key cutter. I'm using a atlas 10f with milling attachment.
Medium carbon steel

 

[MrWhoopee]

The cutter is a 1" × 1/4" woodruff key cutter. I'm using a atlas 10f with milling attachment.
Medium carbon steel

OK, that's entirely different.
Using 60 sfm for medium carbon
(60x4)/1=240 rpm

 

[markba633csi]

With plenty of cutting fluid or oil!

 

[anejo smoker]

Thank you.
Next question my closest speeds on my atlas lathe, 211 or 266. Should I go faster or slower. Again 240 is my rpm

 

[piper184]

Mathematically 266 is closer.
Personally I would try both and see which one is best. I probably would experiment slower and faster as well. I like seeing things for myself. I'm weird that way...

Don't overthink it. There is an old expression "Paralysis by analysis".

 

[anejo smoker]

Thank you. Mrwhoopee, Mark and piper
Its been 40+ years, since I played around with a lathe, need to just play a little more.