I have an Amolco mill but not undertaken any milling as yet. I have been reading Jasons articles on Milling for Beginners from which I have learnt a lot, so thank you for that.

I would like to make some hand knurling tool holders for some 1/4" wide rope knurling wheels I have.

I think the material will be 14mm square mild steel, and partly turned. At the business end I will need an open end slot, 1/4" wide x 1/2" long.

Drilling a hole through and cutting the rest away with 2 cuts of a slitting saw I think may well result in a less than perfect slot.

I could use a slot drill if I can find one 1/4" wide.

Or as I was initially thinking a 1/4" horizontal side & face cutter in an arbour.

Which would be your recommended method please, and HSS ok or do I need to look for carbide tipped?

Many thanks in advance,

Chris.

Ok thank you, so a S&F cutter it seems is a no go on a light weight machine.

My lengths of steel will be approx 6" long so I cannot cut the slot with the material held vertically.

So if I hold it in my milling vice with say 5/8" hanging out the end should I try to cut the full depth ie 9/16" feeding slowly to make full use of the cutter, or multiple cuts each one a little deeper?

Or in other words, I think Emgee has just nailed the answer for me!

Thank you all!

Chris.

Thank you yes drilling the hole first is a good point.

I don't think I have the head room, but if I did have would the suggestion be that I advance the job upwards and outwards between cuts? That dosen't seem right but I'm asking as I don't know, or is it that a light weight mill will be more rigid cutting it that way?

Also HSS ok?

Many thanks

Chris.

Thank you Duncan, no the slot end can be round and it would look better for it I think, as yet undecided.

So you suggest like chain drilling, but maybe overlapping each hole, then cleaning up with a skim as you suggest?

Thanks Martin, yes I'm aware of this as for work I have used a wood router many times. That's not to say I fully understand it so shall certainly read the link you sent!

If my metal stock is held horizontal will I be better off with the end I'm cutting overhanging the end of the vice so I can cut right through, or support on parallels within the vice.

I'm thinking if its hanging out the side of the vice the thin sides may spread when cutting resulting in an uneven width slot,

Likewise if fully supported within the vice maybe the jaws could push the thin sides inwards?

That said I'm leaning towards having it fully supported but very greatfull to hear from those with experience!

Chris.

Thank you Jason, guess I best look at parallels too then (-:

Chris.

Oh yes, hadn't thought of that!

Being a past woodworker…what about hardwood such as oak?

Chris.

Thank you, yes I'll likely go for wood in this instance.

Next question having just looked on Arc's website:

My draw bar is 3/8" Whitworth. For my Mill I have both 6mm & 1/4" Myford type collets that fit into the 2MT spindle.

I could buy a 1/4" cutter and fit it directly into the Myford collet in the spindle, so minimum projection which I do know is what I should aim for.

Or, I could buy a Weldon cutter holder for 1/4" cutter with 3/8" draw bar thread.

OR, should I get the 6mm cutter and fit it in the Myford Collet, and NOT use a Weldon as these only come with

10mm draw bar thread?

Thanks

Chris.