When it comes to creating custom components out of wood, plastic, or metal, milling machines are one of the most useful fabrication tools. CNC milling uses computer numerical control to guide a cutter along a set path to create incredibly accurate pieces. The actual cutting is performed by specialized cutting tools known as end mills, and the quality of your cutters can make a huge difference. If you are looking for quality end mills for sale, there are a few variables to consider.

Construction
One of the biggest factors when looking for new end mills is their construction. The shape of the end mill and the spacing of its cutting edges will have the most impact on how it performs. Most cutting mills will have square or ball ends, but specialized end mills come in all shapes and sizes.

You also need to consider the materials you will be machining. End mills for aluminum require special flute spacing and flute angles. Harder materials like steel and cast iron will require more flutes than softer materials like wood. If you are looking for a general all around end mill, four flutes tends to be one of the more flexible options.

Material
Next thing to consider is the material that your tools are made from. One of the most common materials for the construction of end mills is stainless steel. Most tool steel for the construction of end mills is made with special high speed steel alloys that can resist extreme temperatures. Regular stainless steel will quickly lose it’s temper and begin to soften when exposed to the heat of high speed machining.

If you are going to be machining steel components or operating at higher speeds and feeds, investing in solid carbide tools might be the best course of action. Carbide combines the strength of metal with the heat resistance, sharpness, and rigidity of tungsten carbide ceramic. These tools will retain the strength of their cutting edges even after continued exposure to temperatures beyond what high speed steel can handle.

Source
The final factor to consider when searching for end mills for sale is the source that you are buying from. It’s pretty common to find solid carbide end mills at low prices from overseas. While these tools tend to be more affordable, they come with their own drawbacks. Material quality is often lacking, leading to unexpected tool failure that can damage workpieces. The long shipping times and time differences with overseas manufacturers leads to a lack of customer service in the event of faulty products.

American tool manufacturers are one of the best sources when looking for high quality solid carbide end mills for sale. Online Carbide is one manufacturer that offers a wide range of solid carbide end mills and drill bits at amazing manufacturer direct prices. If you want to know more about any of their products, feel free to contact a member of the Online Carbide team by sending an email to [email protected].