When it comes to manufacturing custom components with a milling machine, using the right cutting tools for the job is essential. Most end mills are specifically designed to perform a certain task. This means that completing a custom component that requires making several different types of cuts using a variety of tools. If you are looking to cut down on product times, tool changes are a good place to start. Tools like chamfer mills can be surprisingly versatile for those who know how to use them.

The most obvious use for these tools is chamfering, hence the title. The process of chamfering involves removing material from a corner where two planes meet to create a third plane that breaks the edge. This process is often confused with beveling, a similar technique that involves removing material to chamfer the angle of a corner completely. A chamfer cutter can perform both of these tasks. The size of the bevel or chamfer may require multiple passes depending on the size of your tool’s angled cutting edge.

Chamfer mills can also be used to to deburr a workpiece. CNC machining is fast and accurate, but sadly it is not always perfect. Same raised metal burrs are a common side effect of high speed machining and these small bits of metal can create sharp surfaces that can interfere with how components fit together and cut anyone who handles the finished product. By tracing along the edges of a workpiece with a chamfer tool, you can quickly and easily remove any small burrs much faster than attempting to spot and remove them manually.

These tools can also be used to spot drill locations for holes. Drilling accurate holes with a milling machine is often a multiple step process and spotting is the process of creating a small dimple in the workpiece with a short and stable tool. This dimple makes it easier to mark locations for drilling deeper holes that will help avoid longer drill bits “walking” off their mark and potentially ruining your workpiece. During the finishing process, chamfer tools can also be used to countersink holes so bolts can sit flush with the surface after installation.

In addition to performing these tasks, you can use your chamfer cutter to perform fine detail work. The sharp point and short length of these little milling cutters makes them a great choice for engraving and adding other small details.

If you are looking for high quality chamfer mills for your shop, you can find some great options at Online Carbide. As an American manufacturer of solid carbide end mills and drill bits, they consistently manufacture reliable and accurate tools that are available at manufacturer direct prices. You can see their full catalog when you visit www.onlinecarbide.com. If you have any questions about their chamfer cutters or any of their other tools, feel free to reach out to a member of the Online Carbide team by sending and email to [email protected].