From the course: Introduction to Mill and Lathe Operation
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End mills
From the course: Introduction to Mill and Lathe Operation
End mills
- Of all cutter types, end mills are the most diverse type of tool in your cabinet. Because of this, I'm going to stick to the basics. First, look at the end mills' tool profile. Which is the cutting end? Square tools have sharp corners that are 90 degrees to the axis of the tool. In other words, the bottom is flat. Ball nose end mills are used for cutting along curved surfaces. It's called contouring. Tapered end mills are for angled faces and slots. And if the end mill is configured correctly, you could even use it as a drill. Also, unlike a drill bit, an end mill is designed to take a load, force, or pressure, on the side of the bit, not just straight up and down into the part. And since you can have a sideways load on the end mill there are several methods of tool entry in to your work piece.