Determining how long to use an end mill can sometimes be a difficult question. The following pictures are a guide to help you decide when to pull a tool and send it to Special Tools for reconditioning!
Light Wear on an End Mill
- Tool still has life left, but can be sharpened if a desired surface finish is needed or tool life was met
- Minimal amount needed to be taken off of tool to recondition
- Typical Regrind Loss:
- .010-.014″ off the diameter of the tool
- .020″ off the end of the tool
Typical/Desired Wear on an End Mill
- Tool has used up most of it’s cutting life
- Can be sharpened without excessive loss of size, flutes are still intact with medium edge wear
- Typical Regrind Loss:
- .012-.020″ off the diameter of the tool
- .020″ off the end of the tool
Excessive/Extreme Wear on an End Mill
- Tool was used past it’s intended life, causing chipping and breakdown of the carbide
- Large amount needed to be taken off of tool to recondition
- Increased cost due to the extreme wear
- May result in return of a tool, if it is beyond reconditioning
- Typical Regrind Loss:
- .020-.050″+ off the diameter of the tool
- .050+” off the end of the tool, some may even require cutting off extreme wear before sharpening the end
