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Pro tip: I finally switched to a 3-flute end mill for aluminum after seeing a buddy's parts in Toledo.
His finish went from looking like a cheese grater to a mirror in one job, just by changing the tool. Anyone have a favorite brand for these?
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the_aaron3d ago
A machinist friend swears by Harvey Tool's 3-flute end mills for aluminum. He said the variable helix really cuts down on chatter and leaves a nice finish. They're a bit pricey but he says they last forever.
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the_xena2d ago
Ever tried Helical Tool's version? My buddy runs a small job shop and he switched to them for most of his aluminum work. He said the Harvey ones are great, no doubt, but he gets basically the same performance for a bit less cash. The variable helix thing is a game changer for sure, stops that awful ringing. It's one of those things where you can't really go wrong with either brand.
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jordanblack2d ago
Look, it's a chunk of metal that spins really fast. People get so worked up about brands. If it cuts the part and doesn't break, who cares? The machine and the guy running it matter way more than the fancy name on the tool holder. This whole debate feels like arguing over which brand of hammer is best.
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