Indexable ball mill questions

[Bob W.]

I need to machine a .375" radius scallop along the top edge of parts made of A2 tool steel (annealed). Since I will be doing several hundred of these I fugure that an indexable ball mill would be the best choice. I have been browsing the various tool sites and these suckers are expensive so I am looking for recomendations.

 

Also, what SFM should these be run at and how long do the inserts typically last (hours of cutting time at moderate speeds/feeds)? Those are expensive too :-) I am in the process of quoting this job so I need to get a sense of the tooling costs.

 

Thanks,

Bob

[crazy^millman]

Daphra are tops in my book. Been doing 55 rc stuff at 450 sfm .005 per tooth feed with no problem. Getting 28 to 40 hours depending on depth of cut.

 

HTH

[Bob W.]

Thanks. How long do the inserts usually last? Who carries these?

 

Thanks,

Bob

[jeff]

Speeds and feeds depend on what mfg you go with.

Dapra has some very good cutters for this type of work.

Sandvik and Iscar also.

Have a look at their online websites for info.

[crazy^millman]

It is the Dapra line of tools and inserts.

 

Here is a specai lthey are running: 30 Insert free Body

 

HTH

[Bob W.]

Could I get a ballpark estimate of what the inserts cost for those? I do plan to give them a call tomorrow but I am just curious.

[gcode]

Bob,

How long an insert will last is a real hard question to answer.

There are a lot of variables. An insert may last

all day long stubbed up nice and short in a 50 taper mill. On a 40 taper Haas chatterbox, it may last 5 minutes or blowup a 1/2 in into the cut.

As a rule, the more rigid your setup and machine the better off you are.

 

I have a 2004-2005 US Shop Tool catalog here at home.

They list Dapra 3/4D ball inserts at $18-$24

each depending on chip breaker and coating options.

[Bob W.]

Thanks for the reply. Some of the inserts I have seen online run $80 while others are $30 so I really had no clue what to expect.

 

Thanks,

Bob

[Storkman]

Walters, they come with carbide shanks.

[Ocean Lacky™]

Dapra has an optional carbide core holder also.