t slot cutting help request

[SVanderkolff]

I want to try something different for the lock on a folder and need to cut a t slot 1/4" wide on the bottom and .050" high. I would be cutting into 416 stainless and the slot would be roughly 1" long. Does anyone have any suggestions what to use. I do have a mini mill.
Thanks for the help
Steve

 

[12345678910]

I'd start by endmill slotting


then a little woodruff keyseat cutter
http://www.icscuttingtools.com/catalog/page_283.pdf


Say the first one on that list

but


the diameter is "nominal"
It's not .250, it is oversized

and the face 1/16 is bigger than .050

but you can start with that one and get it sharpened down to size at a sharpener/grinder service.



Or,

If you can laminate your construction
just use an endmill to mill a simple slot, then put it down on top of another piece and screw them together.

 

[butcher_block]

might be easer to dovetail the bits together. ether way you will want to use a std. end mill to hog the balk of it out

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

You'll get a cleaner finish if you're not trying to cut on both sides of the cutter at the same time. You'll want a little room to step over for finish pass. Remember that cutters deflect to their left, more so in a minimill, you'll want to leave some stock allowance to clean up gouge.

 

[SVanderkolff]

Thanks guys for the help.
Nathan, for those of us that don't speak machinist can you please translate that into "idiot accountant trying to make knives" language.
Thanks
Steve