Swore by HSS end mills for 10 years until a carbide demo changed my mind

I used to think carbide end mills were overpriced junk for hobbyists until a tool rep let me try a 3/8" variable flute model on a job last Tuesday. Running 4140 at 350 SFM with full axial depth, it cut time from 45 minutes to 28 and the finish was way better. Has anyone else had a specific tool type that surprised them after being skeptical for years?

4 comments

4 Comments

the_taylor13d ago

For sure @riley_wood84, old HSS tools are like old friends but carbide is a whole new level.

ray35613d ago

35 years with HSS and a 5 flute rougher finally did it? sounds like you just really hate change.

hollyl2514d ago

35 years in and a 5 flute rougher finally got me off HSS for good.

riley_wood8413d ago

@hollyl25 5 flutes took you 35 years to switch? thats wild i still have HSS tools from the 90s.