Chamfer Milling

Yesterday I was milling out the T-slots in my new Vertex rotary table to 12mm, the same as my mill table (who would want 11mm T-slots anyway?). I wanted to chamfer the edges of the slots but I don't have a chamfering cutter. After trying a few countersink cutters that wouldn't cut, I found a 90deg spotting drill that worked well when used like an end mill.

Having decided I should invest in a 'proper' chamfer mill, I've now only been able to find them in solid carbide. Other than that there only seem to be the expensive and quite large carbide insert tools, and cheap sets of what look like countersink cutters with slim shanks.

Chamfering must be a common enough operation, so the question is, what do others use?

David

Hi David,

Depending on how big you want to make the chamfer, I use woodwork router cutters. A 45 degree cutter should work nicely.

I use an HSS dovetail cutter.

Daniel

I have used a multi flute countersink.

Like John, I use a multi flute HSS countersink. Has worked for me.

Thor

I use one of the Little Hogger sets (3/4" shank) that Chronos do which includes a 45deg cutter. The set is no more expensive than a "Angle shank" cutter as they are known for chamfering as similar size one with say 1" dia head in HSS would set you back about £50 from the likes of MSC.

On small stuff a spotting drill will do as you have found.

Edited By JasonB on 21/08/2016 07:35:24

Having access to a cutter grinder I make my own from worn out slot drills and the odd one from 4 flute end mill.

I don't think chamfering is that common? I normally just break edges with a needle file. If I really need to chamfer an edge I use a chamfer mill:

If it looks new, that because it is, I've hardly used it.

Andrew

Anyone who got the 'Mango Handle' free gift should have discovered the delight of breaking edges with a proper deburring tool

It's worth buying a variety pack of tips (brass, steel CI, plastic, Ally) standard tips suit the handle.

Neil

It's called a Drill Mill. I have one as well. You can use it for spot drilling as well as chamfering.

Forgot to add, you can get Drill Mills here but I got mine on eBay.

http://www.cutwel.co.uk/milling/milling-cutters/chamfer-mills/2-flute-90-degree-solid-carbide-drill-mill-e5400-series?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=purenet_feed&VariantId=E5400120&gclid=COrH1Lni0s4CFaYW0wodR4IIaA

Edited By Vic on 21/08/2016 16:07:59

Hi David

I just use part of the radius of a ball nose end mil/slot drill of which I have several sizes. I just eyeball the cutter position to get what looks like a 45 deg chamfer of the required width. Although mostly I would just file it.

Nigel

I think I will go for a multi-flute HSS countersink for now and see how often I use it.

I do like the look of the Little Hogger set though...

Thanks to all for your advice, it is great to have all that experience on tap.

David