Hit 5000 parts on a single end mill this week

Was running a batch of 6061 aluminum brackets and checked my tool life counter. That same 3/8 carbide end mill had cut over 5000 parts without a swap. Had to stop and double check because I normally change them out around 3000 at the latest. Anyone else ever push a tool way past what you thought it could handle?

2 comments

2 Comments

paige5141mo ago

5000 on one tool? That’s absolutely wild, I can barely get 2000 before things go sideways.

the_julia1mo ago

Used to think the same way honestly. I was convinced you needed some fancy multi tool setup to get good results. Then I spent a weekend just focusing on one scraper and dialing in the technique. It was boring at first but once you learn the quirks of a single tool you can push it way further than you expect. The consistency alone makes up for not having backups. Changed my whole approach.