Every machinist knows that you need the right tools to do a job right. If you knew somebody who was just starting out as a machinist, which tools would you recommend they buy?
A lot of machinists start out with a small collection of tools that grows as they become more experienced. There are a core set of tools that most machinists agree are essential for completing most projects.
We’ve put together a list of the 10 basic tools every machinist should have. If you have any recommendations to add to the list, let us know!
Calipers are essential for making accurate measurements of thickness and dimensions.
Edge finders, also known as wigglers, are useful for locating the edges of a workpiece.
Similar to an edge finder but used to locate the machining center on a work piece. Some edge finder tools include a center finder.
These devices, used for measuring small distances and angles, have a wide range of applications, including setting up or calibrating a machine prior to a production run and checking the variation in tolerance of a machined part during the inspection process.
A deburring tool will come in handy for smoothing out any rough edges and burrs from a workpiece.
Also known as a micrometer screw gauge, this tool is indispensable for precisely measuring the depth, length and thickness of small objects (0 – 300mm).
Comes in two types: the precision steel square and the combination square set. Some of its uses include inspecting the accuracy of right angles or as a guide for marking out a workpiece before cutting.
This simple tool fits in the pocket and is used to make precise and reliable measurements.
With Sine, Cosine & Tangent functions. The quickest and easiest way to perform precise, accurate calculations, ranging from basic arithmetic to complex mathematics.
The Center Punch is a handy tool used to mark the center of a drilling hole to serve as a target for the tip of a drill.
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There are different types, and categories of milling cutter tools, each with different purposes and cutting abilities. Here are the common milling tool types.
End mill tools are mill-cutting tools that cut in all directions, making them quite different from drill tools that cut only axially. Manufacturers use the end mill for tool steel cutting and other milling processes, including plunging, reaming, slotting, drilling, face milling, profile milling, etc. There are common types of end mill cutters.
These end mill cutters feature a ball nose. They are ideal for use in milling contoured surfaces due to their round cutting surface.
Used for all-around milling, these end mills have a 90-degree profile. Also known as flat-end mills, they are ideal for milling applications such as plunging, profiling, and slotting.
These endmills feature rounded corners. These corners are ideal for cutting a specified radius more evenly, preventing tool wear, and prolonging tool life.
It is also known as a lollipop cutter, this well-rounded CNC mill cutting tool offers maximum versatility. Their shape makes them the ideal choice for machining undercuts.
This Mill tool features strengthened ends. Their primary purpose is milling round edges.
With several flute serrations, this tool, known as the hog mill, leaves a rough finish. Its ability to remove large quantities of material quickly makes it stand out.
This tool is used for face milling. So what is face milling? It is the removal of portions of a workpiece. A face milling tool is used to achieve an excellent surface finish. At the sides of this tool, it has cutting edges that cut in a horizontal direction, as opposed to end mills that cut vertically. Also, a face mill tool is mainly used to cut the outside of the blank.
T-slot cutters feature teeth that are perpendicular to the outside diameter. Also known as woodruff cutters, these cutters are best known for cutting T-shaped slots into parts and workpieces. These types of milling cutters are ideal for cutting slots used for bolt heads and hanging brackets in wall panels.
These saws have applications across various industries due to their unique geometry and rigidity. However, industries like the automotive, precision engineering and construction industries commonly use them to cut non-ferrous and steel materials. Here are the different types of metal slitting saw cutters.
These are CNC cutting tools with peripheral cutting edges only, with a concavity on the side to prevent cut dragging in.
This type of slitting saw possesses both side and peripheral teeth. This feature allows it to maintain a consistent cutting width when removing chips.
This is a slitting saw used to produce a true convex radius. This cutter applies a seamless and smooth semi-circular shape to workpieces.
It is ideal for applications where a high rate of stock removal is required. This slitting saw has teeth on the peripheral surface only.
Also known as slab or surface milling cutter, this type of cuter has helical or straight teeth. Furthermore, its teeth cut on cylindrical or periphery mills flat surfaces parallel to the cutter axis. Plain milling cutters are ideal for small-scale projects and those requiring light milling work.
These milling tool plane surfaces use one or more single-point rotary tools. Similar to the lathe-cutting tool, manufacturers mount a fly-cutter tool on a special holder. It is also important to note that fly cutters are not ideal for heavy-duty cutting operations. Below are the different types of flyer cutters.
It features far-reaching needle-like points ideal for cutting densely packed corals. The cuts produced here are always clean and precise.
This tool’s primary purpose is carving hard materials. It finds application in carving wood and engraving on blown glass.
These mill-cutting tools cut through a material’s fabric without distorting the patterned cutting line. Some professionals employ this tool in cutting up to eight layers of material in one milling session.
This is a cutter used for shaping irregular contours, both 2D and 3D. These cutters also come in different configurations and shapes. It is ideal for creating helical gears and other complex and intricate surfaces. It is used for groove, chamfering, and full-radius milling. There are three major types of form milling cutters.
This is a form CNC turning and milling cutter designed to produce a half circle that curves inwards. Convex milling cutters facilitate the production of concave forms.
This cutter is used individually or in pairs. These corner rounding milling cutters, also known as radius cutters, facilitate radius milling.
Inserted tooth cutter features teeth brazed to the correct location using screws or mechanically added to the cutter. The teeth material is usually carbide or tool steel. On the other hand, machined steel is ideal for making the cutter’s body.
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