Woodruff cutters and T-Slot cutters

[hwingo]

I need to cut a very small T-slot (similar to those found on Sherline milling table). Having little knowledge of proper nomenclature, the main slot leading down to the "T" section is 1/4", depth to the bottom of the "T" is .185", dia. of the cutter should be around .408", and the cutter face (thickness of the cutter) should be ~.090".

I can't find a T-slot cutter close to that size. The main probelm is with the width of the cutter face. The thinnest face is 15/64" with a dia of 9/16". This is too large for my application.

I have found Woodruff cutters that approximate the size that would fit my application.

The material being used is aluminum. Can Woodruff cutters be used to cut a T-slot? What problems can I expect? Do you know of a place that I can purchase a real T-slot cutter that meets my requirments?

Thanks,
Harold

[DR]

The Woodruff cutter should do the job in aluminum.

Use flood coolant if possible, those cutters are not as free cutting and don't have the chip clearance of a T-slot type so it must be kept lubricated with coolant. The cutter clogging up with chips will be the biggest concern.

I've done jobs like this with a Woodruff by grinding away every other tool for more chip relief.

[crancshafter]

I need to cut a very small T-slot (similar to those found on Sherline milling table). Having little knowledge of proper nomenclature, the main slot leading down to the "T" section is 1/4", depth to the bottom of the "T" is .185", dia. of the cutter should be around .408", and the cutter face (thickness of the cutter) should be ~.090".

I can't find a T-slot cutter close to that size. The main probelm is with the width of the cutter face. The thinnest face is 15/64" with a dia of 9/16". This is too large for my application.

I have found Woodruff cutters that approximate the size that would fit my application.

The material being used is aluminum. Can Woodruff cutters be used to cut a T-slot? What problems can I expect? Do you know of a place that I can purchase a real T-slot cutter that meets my requirments?

Thanks,
Harold

Harold.
Why not make your own cutters. Google: "home made woodruff cutter" and your on.
crancshafter.

[hwingo]

Thanks guys!

Both seem to be good ideas.

Harold

[bob_s]

Make one using Mr. Ishimura as a guide:

http://homepage3.nifty.com/amigos/t_...t_cutter-e.htm

[recoilless]

Hwingo:

If you go the woodruff cutter route, I'd suggest you go with the "staggered tooth cutter" as opposed to the straight toothed style. The big problem w/ cutting tee slots is the full width cut and ensuing chip evacuation as referenced above.

[hwingo]

These suggestions are sooooo COOL!

Thanks guys.

Harold

[djc]

There's a number of good suggestions above. Also have a look here

http://www.homemodelenginemachinist....p?topic=1390.0

for some further inspiration (in summary: grind down an standard end mill).

[J Tiers]

Hwingo:

If you go the woodruff cutter route, I'd suggest you go with the "staggered tooth cutter" as opposed to the straight toothed style. The big problem w/ cutting tee slots is the full width cut and ensuing chip evacuation as referenced above.

That and jamming up if the cutter is not precisely trammed parallel to table motion. A staggered tooth side-cutting type will simply cut a distorted slot if off-tram slightly (which may be fine) but a non-side-cutting cutter may jam and break.

[Gonebuggy]

Using a woodruff smells like trouble, try it. but be warned. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

Alex