Fly cutting titanium

WC53 said:
Is there one you would recommend for a straight shank collet holder? Have been working on fly cutting stainless, but either my bit profile or cheap fly cutter frequently gives me problems. I have a tired old toolmaster 1b that usually works..
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Well, you can get straight shank arbors, they're pretty common. If your machine is kind of tired, check look into the slice mills on that site I linked, in the facemill section. They supposedly require less HP than typical for the size, but still offer reasonable insert economy.
 
razor-edge-knives said:
Awesome thanks!
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If that doesn't work out, check this: https://latheinserts.com/2-FMA11-45-DEGREE-SLICE-MILL-4350002376.htm

I'm thinking that would be a better option (more insert cutter faces, better insert economy), and PVD coated inserts that should work great for exotic alloys and Titanium. However, I would also advise just emailing the store owner and asking him. He's quite knowledgeable about what will work best for what with smaller machines. You can also ask if the memorial day sale is still active, giving you 10 inserts.

FWIW that photo isn't the actual cutter, it's of a larger one in the same series. Looks like the 2" model uses 4 inserts.

If you do talk to him, be sure to check what'll work for your expectations of what you'll be doing in the future also.

This type of cutter, or the ripper variety, will probably be the best option for your machine, which is well on the "smaller" size, and really wouldn't be able to push most face mills this size and up with the proper HP to utilize it. It's not always a case of "take a lighter cut", many specialty tools like this simply won't produce good results without the HP to run them at certain optimal DOCs and chip load.
 
javand said:
What exactly do you think qualifies Alec Steele to be giving advice on advanced machining? He's basically just a youtube celebrity at this point.

The rise of this kid's popularity amazes me honestly. Although I met Brian Brazael back when Alec was pretty much living with the dude, learning to strike and forge, which nobody seems to remember now (although search youtube for brian brazael alec steele and you'll see plenty of evidence what I'm saying is true), with seemingly no credit what so ever, being given, where due. They must have fallen out or something, but it's pretty fucked up considering the entire foundation of this kid's skill (and subsequent popularity) as a smith, was built on that relationship. Hell I only worked with Brian a couple of weeks, and I can't begin to tell you how fundamental even that little bit of time was to my skill and philosophy as a smith.


Regardless, I wouldn't take advice from either of them on machining. It's like asking a sail maker how to fabricate a go cart frame. He may be great at what he does, and he'll probably have opinions, but one thing has jack shit to do with the other. :p



LOL, sorry to derail your thread Josh.
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He never claims to be a machinist, much less a professional machinist. even says he don't know what he is doing. Gotta give him credit and what he has accomplished at his age. He learns from his mistakes and keeps trying until he gets it right.
 
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