Facemill on a 8530

[Brento]

Friends with a Clausing 8520-30 series. If you guys are using facemills, what is the biggest you use? I was thinking of going 2" or maybe 1.5" i dont want to go to bigger for the size machine it is. Im looking at face mills now with tpg inserts so i have common inserts being used in the shop.

 

[jwmelvin]

When you are concerned about cutting forces and machine stiffness, unfortunately it seems like going with a more modern insert design is especially important. I have a TPG face mill and it does an okay job but I can tell the impacts are substantial (Bridgeport clone). I’d encourage you to look at newer designs, even though you need different inserts.

 

[markba633csi]

Cutting steel I would keep the diameter small like 2", and use inserts with some positive rake
or use a flycutter
-M

 

[Brento]

I have a fly cutter but id like to have the ability for inserts. What is a good shell mill then with decently cheap inserts then. The TPG inserts i got at most was 3.49 an insert or something like that.

 

[NCjeeper]

Don't waste your money on the import ones. They suck. The carbide pockets are not milled all the same so you have inserts at different heights. Look for a NOS or gently used USA made one.