Harold and Susan Vordos wrote:

"Grant Erwin" wrote in message
...
snip-----

You will when you're faced with a serious application. Don't think so?
Try using a 4 flute half inch end mill taking a serious cut (full width and
half inch depth) on some ½" 6061-T6 aluminum plate, high spindle speed
(4,000 RPM) and fast feed. Then lets talk.


Well, I NEVER run an end mill with a plunge depth equal to the diameter.
My general rule is that the plunge depth should never be more than 1/2 the
tool diameter, ESPECIALLY when cutting at full width. Maybe some
end mills can take this, but to my mind, that is really pushing things.
Of course, on a finish pass, I might use the full length of cut of the
cutter,
but the width of cut is real light.

Are you talking about solid carbide cutters, here?

Jon