08-26-2015, 07:44 AM
Thanks for asking, Ron, and thanks to Darren for the endorsement.
You're asking the right questions. When I had a 1HP machine I used cutters similar to the F2233 and they worked great. The F4033 is a "double negative" type milling cutter that depends upon the top form geometry of the inserts alone for reducing cutting force. A cutter such as F2233 or F4080 is a true "positive rake" cutter and generally requires less HP.
In home shops we need the most versatility at the lowest cost so I would look for a bargain on an F2233, F2280 or F4080 cutter. The best overall value is when you get the 8 cutting edges of an octagonal insert. A low HP machine can't take terribly deep cuts, so the F2280/F4080 with 3mm or 4mm maximum depth per pass is ideal and you still get relatively high material removal rates.
Inserts for all these types of cutters (not just Walter brand) tend to be proprietary and harder to find bargains, though the quality of the products results in the longest tool life even when you're "abusing" them a bit.
As Darren suggests, look for eBay sellers that ship to Australia and ideally a "package deal" of cutter with inserts. I would suggest that a 50mm to no more than 63mm cutter is a better match to you machine and it's available power. With a 45º lead angle cutter the forces are reduced so you can effectively use a larger cutter engagement than you would with a 90º shoulder mill.
If you can't find a bargain on one and are willing to buy new, I would probably recommend F4080.B22.050DC.Z04.03 and insert ODMT0504ZZN-D57 in grade WKP35S or WSP45S. Eight cutting edges per insert is cheaper then the 4 of the SDGT09T3AEN because they aren't twice the price of the latter.
You're asking the right questions. When I had a 1HP machine I used cutters similar to the F2233 and they worked great. The F4033 is a "double negative" type milling cutter that depends upon the top form geometry of the inserts alone for reducing cutting force. A cutter such as F2233 or F4080 is a true "positive rake" cutter and generally requires less HP.
In home shops we need the most versatility at the lowest cost so I would look for a bargain on an F2233, F2280 or F4080 cutter. The best overall value is when you get the 8 cutting edges of an octagonal insert. A low HP machine can't take terribly deep cuts, so the F2280/F4080 with 3mm or 4mm maximum depth per pass is ideal and you still get relatively high material removal rates.
Inserts for all these types of cutters (not just Walter brand) tend to be proprietary and harder to find bargains, though the quality of the products results in the longest tool life even when you're "abusing" them a bit.
As Darren suggests, look for eBay sellers that ship to Australia and ideally a "package deal" of cutter with inserts. I would suggest that a 50mm to no more than 63mm cutter is a better match to you machine and it's available power. With a 45º lead angle cutter the forces are reduced so you can effectively use a larger cutter engagement than you would with a 90º shoulder mill.
If you can't find a bargain on one and are willing to buy new, I would probably recommend F4080.B22.050DC.Z04.03 and insert ODMT0504ZZN-D57 in grade WKP35S or WSP45S. Eight cutting edges per insert is cheaper then the 4 of the SDGT09T3AEN because they aren't twice the price of the latter.