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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Posts
    155

    modifying Carbide endmill shanks"cutting them shorter"

    any tips to cut Carbide endmill shanks shorter I have a specialty endmill

    with a 3 inch shank I need it 2.5 inches to fit the custom shrink fit holder

    Any tips to cut the Mill with out bending or fracturing it

    Thanks

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Posts
    339
    If it is Carbide you will not have to worry about bending it as it will break before it is bent very far. You will need to get a Diamond Wheel for Carbide and grind them shorter taking a very little at a time and put it in water to cool. (Don't let it get to hot to hold) if that is too much to grind off then you can use a thin cut-off wheel in a tool grinder to cut the end off.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Posts
    1237
    Grinding a half inch off would take forever. A thin metal cutting blade in an angle grinder to score the shank, then pop it in the vise and give the end a whack with a hammer. You could also cut it completely through with the grinder, but scoring and snapping works well.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    4826
    You'll pretty well need to get a diamond cutoff wheel and do this with some sort of a grinding machine. A diamond cutoff wheel is an aluminum wheel with a thin rim (perhaps .035" thick) that has the diamonds embedded. This thin rim is delicate, hence the need for fixturing the work in a grinding machine.

    I use a rotary workhead to chuck the carbide, and grind around and around. Rotating the work keeps the wheel in contact with only a very small cross section of the part, and cuts fast. It is very dusty though, so you should use dust collection and a dust mask to avoid health hazards.
    First you get good, then you get fast. Then grouchiness sets in.

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Posts
    3109
    Modify the holder, then you don't have to adjust any more tools.

    Drill the thread out of the shrink holder from the back, so the shank can seat deeper ( if possible ).

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    12177
    Non-serious suggestion.

    Mount tool in holder.

    Do not start spindle.

    Lower tool so end is appropriate distance below vise jaws.

    Accidentally push wrong button causing table to move in direction of tool.

    Retrieve shortened tool from chip pan of machine.


    This procedure does work, I proved it years ago.
    An open mind is a virtue...so long as all the common sense has not leaked out.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Posts
    155
    Quote Originally Posted by Geof View Post
    Non-serious suggestion.

    Mount tool in holder.

    Do not start spindle.

    Lower tool so end is appropriate distance below vise jaws.

    Accidentally push wrong button causing table to move in direction of tool.

    Retrieve shortened tool from chip pan of machine.


    This procedure does work, I proved it years ago.

    priceless ...

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