Gauges and other accessories for milling machine

[Erin Burke]

Yup. And there are some good deals on the SPG 434 inserts it takes. A couple bucks a insert with multiple cutting edges. Way better than a fly cutter for flattening something.

Nathan,

Can you (or somebody) give a brief overview/tutorial on inserts and insert types? I'm coming at this new and am have a difficult time finding clear info on the net. Does SPG 434 refer to the insert size/shape? What are the different available grades of inserts (C5,C6, etc) and what do they mean? Is there a chart for choosing inserts by the type of material that will be worked?

Thanks in advance.

Erin

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

Good lord, if anybody here ever figures out insert nomenclature please tell me...

There are literally thousands of standard inserts, based upon permutations of:

Basic shape (three sides, four sides, diamond, square, round etc)
size (1/2" inscribed circle, 3/8" etc)
hole (is there a hole? what size and shape it is? etc)
edge geometry and grind condition (positive rake, negative rake, as pressed, ground, polished etc)
chip breaker type (there are many types)
coating (TIN, ZrN, TiCN, TiALN, DLC, OMGWTFBBQ)
base material type and grade (many many many)
the alignment of the planets orbiting the sun (mars, neptune, uranus etc)
what a particular manufacturer was "feeling" that day (happy, sad etc)

I have cutter bodies that I can't even remember what insert to order. I usually write it down and highlight it in the catalogue. Try to keep up with it...


tutorial... anyone?

 

[bhyde]

Good luck with a tutorial...My process is similar to Nathans. CPMG, TPMG, CNMG....The list goes on...I think that the best I can offer is to remember positive rake for non-ferrous materials...Plastic, aluminum etc..

Bill

 

[Erin Burke]

I think that the best I can offer is to remember positive rake for non-ferrous materials...Plastic, aluminum etc..

Bill

Positive rake... does that have to do with the inserts or the angle that the inserts sit in the tool?

Erin

 

[bhyde]

Erin-

The rake has to do with the angle the inserts sit in the toolholder. They will resemble a "ramp" of sorts when installed into the toolholder that gives a shear factor..Like peeling an orange. While you can use these types of cutters on steel..they do not last long...Perhaps sufficiently to take light cuts.