Face Mill advice wanted....

[AJ]

I want to pick up a couple 2-1/2" face mills for my milling machine. I`d like to get a 45deg and 90deg insert style face mills. My question is, Should I buy 2 one piece face mills OR buy 1 arbor and 2 face mill heads(45 and 90deg) ? Any reason not to get the one arbor with a few different face mills for now ? Thanks, AJ

 

[Suzuki4evr]

I should say get one arbor and two face mills,and make another arbor,by copying the first and save money or make two arbors. If time is an issue and $ not a problem, get two arbors with the mills. I love making my own tools,so I would make the arbors. That's my two cents.

Michael

 

[BROCKWOOD]

I like convenience. So, I would have an arbor dedicated to each tool / cutter - at least in the long run!

 

[mksj]

Two arbors and two face mills if you plan on using both routinely, otherwise one arbor and two face mills. If you have a one piece face mill, if it gets damaged it is a total toss. Separate arbor gives more flexibility, most of my face mills I picked up over time at about 25% of list, eithe new or slightly used. I have several face mill heads (5) and use two arbors mounted to the two face mills that I use most frequently. Insert wise I have some heads setup for softer metals/materials, others for steel, etc. You can get heads/inserts that can be used on a wide range of materials, but you get better results with material specific inserts/heads.

Setup for softer metals with sharp ground edge inserts


Steel/harder metals with molded type inserts

 

[benmychree]

If doing heavy work, I'd get integral shank mills, for lighter work, I'd get separate shank cutters and two shanks, its a pain to have to switch them out, time wasted; also, if you get another machine with a different spindle nose you can still use the cutters by purchasing another shank.

 

[AJ]

I should say get one arbor and two face mills,and make another arbor,by copying the first and save money or make two arbors. If time is an issue and $ not a problem, get two arbors with the mills. I love making my own tools,so I would make the arbors. That's my two cents.

Michael

My thoughts also, thanks

 

[AJ]

I like convenience. So, I would have an arbor dedicated to each tool / cutter - at least in the long run!

I thought about this way but right now it`s not in the budget..Well, I do have the money but I`d rather spend it on more(different types) tooling. I do think in the future I`ll go this route...Thanks, AJ

 

[AJ]

Two arbors and two face mills if you plan on using both routinely, otherwise one arbor and two face mills. If you have a one piece face mill, if it gets damaged it is a total toss. Separate arbor gives more flexibility, most of my face mills I picked up over time at about 25% of list, eithe new or slightly used. I have several face mill heads (5) and use two arbors mounted to the two face mills that I use most frequently. Insert wise I have some heads setup for softer metals/materials, others for steel, etc. You can get heads/inserts that can be used on a wide range of materials, but you get better results with material specific inserts/heads.

Setup for softer metals with sharp ground edge inserts
View attachment 279838

Steel/harder metals with molded type inserts
View attachment 279839

I`m thinking I`ll be this for right now also. I do plan on getting a better machine in the future so this will allow then to go either way. Cool, thanks, AJ

 

[AJ]

If doing heavy work, I'd get integral shank mills, for lighter work, I'd get separate shank cutters and two shanks, its a pain to have to switch them out, time wasted; also, if you get another machine with a different spindle nose you can still use the cutters by purchasing another shank.

This seems to be the way I`m going right now..

 

[AJ]

Thanks for everyones input. You helped me make the right decision that`s best for me right now..