Dovetail cutter and angles.

I am looking to make a dovetail cutter using a 55 degree insert (DCMT?).

Would I be best using the insert "square" for a 55 degree dovetail like in the first drawing or leaving some clearance on the bottom for a 60 angle like in the second one?

Incidentally, the dovetails used on my Sherline machines are 55.5 degrees.

Cheers

Steve

Steve

Are you talking about turning the tool in a lathe ?

If so either insert will do the job as the angle will be formed by using the compound set over to cut the angle required, using the full cutting length of the insert would most likely cause a lot of chatter.

Emgee

I would go with the tilted one, think of any milling cutter and the ends of the flutes are not ground flat, they rise slightly to the ctr. Does not have to be 5deg if you are cutting both halves

There have been a few other posts on here about making these single insert cutters and all work well, most use a triangular insert laid back/forward slightly so they clear the bottom but still cut a 60deg face due to the compound angle. Also plenty of commercial ones about so should work if feed to suit the single cutter.

I'd go with a DCGT if you are using a light mill to run it.

Maybe I should have explained a bit more.

What I am asking is which design of dovetail cutter would work best?

Did you post that while I way saying the one with the cutter at an angle.

Another thread about them here

Multi tooth on sides and bottom of cutter.

As is often the case I misread your first post, I now understand you are making a dovetail cutting tool with an insert fitted to provide the cutting edge.
I thought you were using an insert to cut the angle turning on a lathe.

Emgee

Edited By Emgee on 06/01/2022 18:35:47

Yes, posts overlapped.

Useful thread, thanks.