Milling cutters

[DuncParticipant @dunc]

I own a machine similar to a Warco 18.

 

Given that it can rotate the head 90 degrees it becomes a pseudo-horizontal mill.

 

I appreciate that this setup would have neither the power or rigidity of a true horizontal machine but I wonder if it would be too much to use small side-and-face cutters? I have a source for new, top-of-the-line, hss cutters. If yes, some appropriate sizes?

 

Mine has a M3 spindle and I have end mill holders for this mounting (for end mills). The milling cutters that I am considering would use a round shaft and keyway. Is there a standard(s) for these? What would I look for as an adaptor?

 

One cutter I was considering was 1.5 inches diameter with a tooth thickness of 0.250 inches – in other words, a slitting saw that would cut a large slit.

 

[DuncParticipant @dunc]

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Whats the bore of your cutters?

 

A milling arbour should do the job, your size of cutter is no bigger than an involute gear cutter so should be doable

 

Jason

[DuncParticipant @dunc]

Assorted bores- range from approx 0.75 inches to 1.5 inches (used a ruler so these are not to a thou). OD ranges from the one above. There was a plentiful supply so I didn’t purchase any until I could post and determine their suitability. Some are as above ( a wide slitting saw – perhaps it is a small slab cutter) while others are true side-and-face cutters.

[mgjParticipant @mgj]

With the head rotated through 90 degrees, can you actually get the axis of the cutter close enough to the table?

 

Chronos I think, and maybe others, do a right angle adaptor that fits certain mills with quills of particular diameter.

 

However I question the need in most cases.  You take the same cutter and fit it conventionally and then cut along the side of the job – that will produce a keyway with a curved runout, rather than one with a radiused end, if that’s what is needed. I’d hold that in a dividing head and tailstock for convenience.  

 

I you want to start milling crankshafts and journals, that’s a slightly different matter, and going truly horizontal is more important, but for the odd keyway etc, is it worth disturbing a carefully set up head when it isn’t essential?

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