Using AKS .187 bearings for bearing pocket. Counterbore vs. Endmill

[Josh Rider]

Just wondering which to buy. I bought some .187 bearing cages from alpha knife supply. For anyone using these, which tool and process would you recommend. I have a mini mill.

 

[mike-E]

endmill if you have a rotary table, counterbore if you dont.

 

[Josh Rider]

I don't have a rotary table. Was wondering about plunging a large enough center cutting endmill, if that would be accurate enough.

 

[Busto]

With a Mill you can plunge the recess but it takes a 10MM center cutting end mill.

 

[Pittknife]

I use these and use a 13/32 4 flute Altain endmill center cutting, I have 2 rotated tables but don't use them for the counterbore, I just plunge cut and have never had an issue.

You can use a 25/64 as well, I have those too, I just prefer the bigger endmill.

I actually use endmills on my centering jig instead of counterbores, I haven't had an issue with concentricity but that is due to my process.

 

[Josh Rider]

I use these and use a 13/32 4 flute Altain endmill center cutting, I have 2 rotated tables but don't use them for the counterbore, I just plunge cut and have never had an issue.

You can use a 25/64 as well, I have those too, I just prefer the bigger endmill.

I actually use endmills on my centering jig instead of counterbores, I haven't had an issue with concentricity but that is due to my process.

With a Mill you can plunge the recess but it takes a 10MM center cutting end mill.

Thanks for the replies fellas.

Mike, is the centering jig something you created?

Thanks for the endmill suggestions

 

[Pittknife]

Thanks for the replies fellas.

Mike, is the centering jig something you created?

Thanks for the endmill suggestions

I made the jig, it's fairly simple, it basically just replaces the pilot in the CB. Many ways to do it without a jig though. You will find getting a custom CB for the 3/16 is a pita, especially if you want carbide.

 

[Kevin Powers]

The end mill is a funky size, I spent the better part of an hour with a set of calipers digging through bins at my local tool supply until I found one close enough. I just plunge with it. I've also found that having your parallel directly under the hole makes a cleaner pocket, just what works for me.

 

[Josh Rider]

The end mill is a funky size, I spent the better part of an hour with a set of calipers digging through bins at my local tool supply until I found one close enough. I just plunge with it. I've also found that having your parallel directly under the hole makes a cleaner pocket, just what works for me.

Cool, Thanks for the tip!