Official Luthiers Forum!

Guys,
I'm looking to buy a set of end mills that center cut. Application is mostly wood. I'm thinking 4 flute. Looking for sets in the 1/8" to 3/4" or 1/8" to 1/2" range in 1/16" increments. I can buy individually but suspect the $$$ go up ...

In looking around many end mill sets don't specify end type. Is it safe to assume that means they don't center cut? An example ...
http://www.grizzly.com/products/10-pc-4-Flute-TiN-End-Mill-Set/G9762

I am looking to plunge flat bottomed holes. Suggestions?

Thanks ...

Filippo

I use vortex tools - not cheap but excellent quality and you'll find most center cut.

Vortex Tool

It's hard to tell, not enough contrast, but it doesn't look like those are end cutting. If it's a real tooling supplier, then you can assume everything solid is end-cutting. You'd be better off with 2-flute cutters for boring holes, there's no advantage to a four flute cutter unless you like the smell of burning wood.

If you only need specific sizes then I'd recommend seeing what you can do at USA Carbide. You'll end up with cutters you'll never need to replace, and their 2-flute grinds are very sharp which makes them work quite well in wood.

Do you mind disclosing the application? There are very few applications that need a truly flat bottomed hole, and drills are a whole lot cheaper than end-mills if money is a concern.

Sure Bob, and thanks for the reply thus far ...

I'm working on an electric guitar with blind attachment for the backing plate. Won't bore you with the details beyond the fact that I'm looking to back drill some holes which will leave about 1/32 to 1/16"" of wood on the face. Hence the desire for a flat bottom cut (and not a drill bit).

I just figured I'd buy a small set of end mills as it would be generally useful to have. When I went looking at MSC, Grizzly, et cetera I discovered that there were end mills then "center cutting" ... hence my question.

Thanks,

Filippo

I'd suggest grabbing one at the (I assume) size of your magnets along with a 1/8", 1/4", and 1/2" from USA Carbide. The other three will be the best 'router bits' you've ever owned

Been very happy with these folks and they will do a custom make order with 25 bits (sometimes less, everything is mostly German made) if you have something unusual.

http://www.guhdo.com/

Kevin Waldron