Extra long end mill
Extra long end mill
(OP)
I am looking for a HSS square end mill, 1 in. dia with 12" length of cut (minimum); number of flutes is not critical. I need it very quickly so if there is something off the shelf that would be ideal. Any suggestions?





RE: Extra long end mill
I bet tool deflection is your worst enemy.
RE: Extra long end mill
RE: Extra long end mill
Does the "cutter" need to cut the entire length?
If so, I agree with mcgyvr...tool deflection and chatter will be a bear.
If you're only concerned with making a cut at or near the bottom of a recess with minimal side contact; or a c'bore operation, then a standard end mill can be extended for that reach, however, you're still going to have chatter and tool deflection if the side cut is substantial.
We've silver-soldered such home-made tooling in the past to get down into a pocket.....some were nothing more than an endmill with a reduced shank joined to a solid shaft of good material such as 4140 or some other tool steel.
Have you looked at off-the-shelf counterbore tools that may be adapted to your needs?
RE: Extra long end mill
RE: Extra long end mill
I bet his machinist said.. "you designed it, you find the darn end mill"
RE: Extra long end mill
Specialist 3 & 5 Axis Machining
http://www.midlandalloy.com