11-27-2015, 11:46 AM
(11-26-2015, 05:33 PM)wrustle Wrote:(11-26-2015, 11:34 AM)Sunset Machine Wrote: That's the problem I had working those shops - too focused on the immediate, not the whole job. I failed at production; I'd rather do repairs. Carbide tooling just gets set aside, I don't even own a single insert.
Completely understand, but have to add that the carbide tooling can greatly decrease not only your set up time, but your machine time as well.
Yes, there's an initial outlay of costs for tooling, but the returns will be pretty quick, and it only takes a couple tools to cover the majority of needs. Use WNMG inserts and those same inserts can be used in turning and boring tooling, plus they have 6 edges. Saves a ton of money on buying inserts by being able to turn and bore with them.
I intend to try carbide again one of these days, but the learning and cost curves are discouraging. Not to mention my machines are really old, dating back to carbon steel tooling. I have tried some brazed carbide but it just goes tinkle snap crunch and I can't do anything with it but run to the bench grinder.
Meanwhile, I can be productive with HSS.
I had a flycutter job a few months back that I wish had a bit of carbide in there. This is an annual job. Currently, a finish feed of .005" ipr and a hundred RPM or so takes 30 minutes to cross 12" and clear the cutter. 8 of them to do, each has a ledge to work up to (inside square corner). There's a bit of HSS in the end of a 10" flycutter, material is 4140, DOC is .020".
What do I do to make the work go faster? The shop I get this work from pokes fun at me about the HSS.
Top speed of the mill (horizontal) is 300 rpm but I don't like running it that fast - the feed chain starts slapping the housing. It was built in 1913.
What to do, what to do... Here's the flycutter. The tip is ground to provide a little relief in the inside corner.