Cutting Tools for Machining

Groove Tool

• A groove tool does exactly what its name implies. Specifically, it machines undercuts that resemble grooves, sometimes called recesses, onto cast iron, steel, stainless steel and highly tempered alloys. They come in right and left hand cutting profiles and usually run 1 to 2 inches in length.

General Purpose End Mills

• End mills have flutes cut in the shank and thus resemble drill bits. The number of flutes varies depending on the use of the cutting tool. As a primary cutting tool, the end mill works best in vertical mills. The most commonly used end mills have two or four flutes in them to prevent chips of steel from welding to the milled surface.

Micro-Size Drill Bits

• Micro-sized drill bits are required to machine tiny holes into steel or alloy. These tiny cutting tools drill holes for precise assembly of parts used in a vertical milling machine. Most of the milling machines have a variable speed knob used to adjust the cutting bit to the precise speed. This is important to prevent breaking the micro-size bit off in the steel.

Taps

• Taps cut threads on the inside walls of predrilled holes. This ensures a tight fit for screws and bolts used to connect parts. Charts are available to help machinists determine the correct size tap to use. They ensure a perfect fit by matching the diameter of the pilot hole on the chart with the correct tap.