Novice end mill question..

[bryan]

Is it possible or feasable to sharpen HSS end mills, and if so what equipment and process is used? Or is it better to just replace them? What do you do if you need one that is other than a standard size, say .120 vs a standard .125?
Just learning
Bryan

 

[fusionrider]

To sharpen end mills you would need a special spindle fixture that attaches too a tool&cutter grinding machine.I have done a few this way but it takes time and skill to perfect. You can also send the mills out to companies that specialize in sharpening and they should do a much better job. For odd sized slots just use an undersized mill and take multiple passes or have a cutter ground for the job. Dont forget to check the metric sizes as they come in handy for odd ball features.

 

[jackie schmidt]

Here is a tip

Many end mills get burned and dulled in just the lower portion of the flutes. Since we cut a lot of keyseats with end mills, we get this a lot.

What you can do is simply grind the bad portion back on a bench grinder, and then carefully square it as best you can. Keep in mind, if it was a center cuting end mill, you will not be able to duplicate that feature unless you have a actual tool grinder.

As Bryan said, the only way to actually resharpen the sides of the flutes is to grind it a little under with a tool grinder. ........jackie

 

[Bnhpr]

Is it possible or feasable to sharpen HSS end mills, and if so what equipment and process is used? Or is it better to just replace them? What do you do if you need one that is other than a standard size, say .120 vs a standard .125?
Just learning
Bryan

The 2 fluted mills are sharpened a few times on a bench grinder. The 4 fluted mills can be touched up carefully with a dremel grinder and stone. It takes a little practice.