[Rich05]

I have IH mill 3 hp, with 3250 rpm, and flood coolant; need a good tool to hog out some mild steel flat 4 flute HSS endmill still very slow. Is there a better tool 6 flute?, high helix?, how about using a rougher? thanks

[gsrmmeza]

What size roughing endmill?
Are you slotting or profiling?
Coated or uncoated?
6 flute Roughers are usually larger the 1 inch.
Make sure you get fine pitch not the coarse.
They cut better.

[Karl_T]

A rougher is a good choice.

If you'd like to go to a whole nuther level, take a look at Sandvik R390 insert cutters. I normally run them dry, thermal shock is huge issue. They are designed to put the heat in the chip - they come off black and will burn you if you get in the way.

Karl

[msomerville]

Why don't you give a carbide fine tooth rougher a try? You can get a 3/4 tialn coated for about $80.